Women's Health

Burnell argued that the government was addressing historical neglect of women's health by investing nearly $800 million in the health package. Burnell cited that over 700,000 women had accessed more than 2.3 million cheaper PBS prescriptions, with significant savings on menopause therapies and endometriosis treatments. Burnell highlighted the introduction of Medicare-funded menopause health assessments and new Medicare items for gynaecological care, which had delivered around 430,000 additional services. Burnell also noted the expansion of endometriosis clinics and the launch of a national awareness campaign for menopause and perimenopause.

Ryan commended the PBS listings for improving affordability but raised concerns about clinical oversight following allegations against obstetrician Simon Gordon at Epworth Freemasons hospital. Ryan alleged that Gordon performed unnecessary surgeries on women with suspected endometriosis, billing high out-of-pocket fees and receiving substantial Medicare rebates, which left some patients with permanent scarring or infertility. Ryan criticised the failure of regulators and hospital administrators to act on previous complaints, calling for a review of regulatory oversight in private hospitals and Medicare billing compliance. Ryan argued that the case highlighted a need for stronger accountability and transparency in the healthcare system to protect vulnerable patients.

Garland attributed the progress in women's health policy to the increased representation of women in the government and parliament. Garland detailed the outcomes of the $800 million package, including savings for women accessing contraceptives, menopause therapies, and endometriosis treatments. Garland highlighted the availability of Medicare-funded menopause health assessments and new Medicare items that facilitated longer consultations for complex gynaecological issues. Garland also noted the expansion of the endometriosis clinic network to 33 locations and the upcoming national awareness campaign for menopause and perimenopause.

Leeser spoke as co-chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Endometriosis, acknowledging the bipartisan support for endometriosis initiatives and the work of former and current ministers. Leeser highlighted the importance of workplace support programs like EndoThrive and the role of Endometriosis Australia in raising awareness. Leeser shared personal insights into the challenges of diagnosis and treatment, urging women with persistent pain to seek second opinions. Leeser credited the current government for continuing efforts to make Australia a world leader in endometriosis research and care.

Ryan argued that the women's health package addressed historical medical misogyny and the exclusion of women from health data. Ryan cited statistics showing that 700,000 women had accessed cheaper prescriptions and that new Medicare items were improving access to specialist care. Ryan highlighted the opening of the Werribee endometriosis and pelvic pain clinic as part of the national network of 33 clinics. Ryan emphasised that the government's actions were driven by the increased presence of women in decision-making roles, ensuring that women's health issues were taken seriously.

Phillips highlighted the work of the endometriosis and pelvic pain clinic in Milton, which provided multidisciplinary care and education to women in regional New South Wales. Phillips noted that the clinic had educated over 4,000 women and girls about pelvic pain and sexual health. Phillips cited the broader benefits of the women's health package, including cheaper PBS scripts and Medicare-funded menopause assessments. Phillips also mentioned additional government investments in mental health services and perinatal care, as well as funding for Aboriginal women's health organisations.

Cook shared her personal experience with undiagnosed pelvic pain to illustrate the historical dismissal of women's health concerns. Cook celebrated the $800 million investment as the largest in women's health history, noting that over 700,000 women had accessed cheaper PBS scripts. Cook highlighted the expansion of endometriosis clinics, including a new facility in Oxley, which improved access to multidisciplinary care in her electorate. Cook argued that the reforms represented a cultural shift, validating women's experiences and ensuring that access to care did not depend on postcode.