Question Time AU

General Debate

Women's Health

House of Representatives · Tuesday 8 September 2026

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

At a glance

Jo Briskey raised a grievance regarding the historical neglect of women's health, arguing that systemic underfunding and dismissive medical attitudes caused significant delays in diagnosis and treatment for conditions like endometriosis and menopause. She contrasted previous government policies, which she claimed reduced access to care, with current initiatives aimed at improving affordability and availability of treatments. Briskey highlighted specific statistics on cost savings and increased bulk-billing rates as evidence of improved access under the current administration. She concluded by acknowledging remaining challenges, such as high specialist costs, while asserting that the system is now better equipped to take women's health concerns seriously.

Outcome

The debate concluded with no further speakers or formal vote recorded in the transcript.

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

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Jo Briskey (Maribyrnong) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

Briskey argued that women have historically faced dismissal of their pain and symptoms, leading to delayed diagnoses for conditions such as endometriosis and menopause. Briskey contended that previous government policies, including freezing Medicare rebates and introducing fees, exacerbated these issues by making healthcare less accessible. Briskey stated that the current government has addressed this neglect by listing new contraceptive and menopausal treatments on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and establishing dedicated clinics. Briskey cited data showing millions of dollars in savings for constituents and an increase in bulk-billing practices as evidence of improved healthcare access. Briskey acknowledged that specialist costs remain high but maintained that systemic reforms are rebuilding trust in the healthcare system.