Women's Health Week

Smith emphasised that addressing women's health is a collective responsibility, not solely for women, and criticised historical medical biases that dismissed women's symptoms. Smith outlined government reforms including PBS listings for menopausal therapies and contraceptives, new endometriosis clinics, and increased Medicare payments for long-term contraceptives. Smith also highlighted broader healthcare improvements such as $8.5 billion for bulk-billed GP visits, urgent care clinics, and the freezing of PBS medicine costs.

Kearney described persistent sexism and medical misogyny in the healthcare system, citing personal experience and survey data showing high rates of discrimination against women. Kearney detailed the government's nearly $1 billion investment in women's health, including cheaper contraception, expanded menopause care with national guidelines, and new endometriosis clinics. Kearney also connected women's health to safety, noting record investments in addressing family, domestic, and sexual violence.

Steggall acknowledged increased focus on women's health due to greater female representation in parliament but argued that parity in access and outcomes has not yet been achieved. Steggall highlighted the connection between physical and mental health, urging support for organisations addressing body image and eating disorders, and called for better services for First Nations and regional women. Steggall criticised the government for not acting on recommendations to restrict alcohol delivery and gambling advertising, which are linked to intimate partner violence.

Garland shared personal experiences of medical dismissal and highlighted the success of the women's health package, noting that over 365,000 women had accessed cheaper scripts for contraceptives and menopause treatments. Garland detailed cost savings for patients and the introduction of Medicare-funded menopause health assessments. Garland also emphasised broader Medicare investments, including urgent care clinics and bulk-billing incentives, to improve overall healthcare access.

Cook outlined the $800 million women's health package, detailing PBS listings for contraceptives and menopause therapies, and funding for endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics. Cook highlighted national trials for pharmacist-led contraceptive and UTI consultations and improved access to fertility treatments. Cook also promoted the 'Her Health Check' digital tool and shared a personal story about a friend who died from uterine sarcoma to underscore the importance of timely diagnosis.

Miller-Frost drew on professional experience to illustrate how women's pain is often minimised or normalised, leading to delayed diagnoses and worse health outcomes. Miller-Frost detailed specific funding allocations for long-acting reversible contraception, endometriosis clinics, and menopause health assessments. Miller-Frost emphasised the importance of believing women's symptoms and providing coordinated care plans to manage chronic conditions effectively.

Jordan-Baird stated that women's health had been neglected for decades and highlighted new PBS listings for contraceptives and menopause treatments that have benefited hundreds of thousands of patients. Jordan-Baird shared the story of a constituent benefiting from cheaper menopause medication and noted the opening of new endometriosis clinics. Jordan-Baird also linked women's health to online safety, announcing strengthened laws against nudification and deep fake technologies.