Question Time AU

General Debate

Women's Health

House of Representatives · Monday 23 March 2026

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

Members debated the progress and equity of the government's Women's Health Package, with opposition members highlighting gaps in regional clinic distribution and calls for additional funding for maternal support. Government members defended the package as a historic investment, citing significant cost savings for women on contraceptives, menopause treatments, and endometriosis care. Speakers also addressed broader issues including perinatal mental health, coercive control, and the importance of a majority-female parliament in prioritising women's health. The debate concluded with strong government support for the package's outcomes and opposition criticism regarding regional neglect.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Venning argued that while the Women's Health Package had achieved high prescription numbers, it failed to address the needs of regional Australia, particularly South Australia. Venning noted that no new endometriosis clinics were established in South Australia, leaving a single clinic in Kadina to serve approximately 259,000 women across a vast area. Venning highlighted the logistical and financial burdens on regional patients, including high fuel costs and lack of transport options. Venning called for the government to fund the Australian Breastfeeding Association's $14.8 million proposal to ensure long-term stability for maternal support services.