Women's Health

Ryan seconded the motion, highlighting the historical exclusion of women from medical research and the resulting lack of accurate symptom recognition for conditions like heart attacks and ovarian cancer. The member noted that over one million women had filled cheaper prescriptions, delivering more than $150 million in savings, and that 137,000 women had accessed menopause health assessments. Ryan emphasised that community engagement, including from men, had increased regarding women's health issues, demonstrating a broader societal shift in understanding these challenges.

Aldred focused on the barriers to healthcare access in regional Victoria, particularly regarding mental health services and physical distance to facilities. The member advocated for the restoration of 20 subsidised mental health sessions annually, arguing that the current limit of 10 is insufficient for women dealing with complex trauma or postnatal anxiety. Aldred highlighted the pressure on West Gippsland Hospital's maternity services due to a regional baby boom and called for investment in new hospital infrastructure. The member welcomed bipartisan support for endometriosis clinics but stressed the need for expanded PBS listings and improved regional access.

Cook referenced Women's Health Week and the theme 'Do it anyway', urging women to prioritise their own health despite systemic barriers. The member, a nurse and midwife, attributed historical delays in diagnosis to the exclusion of women from medical research and the male-dominated nature of the healthcare system. Cook highlighted the savings from new PBS listings for contraceptives and menopausal hormone therapies, noting that these drugs were previously available only through private purchase. The member also acknowledged the work of advocates for vulval cancer awareness and the establishment of a ministerial expert panel on women's cardiovascular health.

Penfold opposed the motion's implication that women's health was ignored until the current government took office, citing previous coalition investments in endometriosis and the National Women's Health Strategy. The member argued that the government fails to listen to regional women, noting the absence of endometriosis clinics in the Lyne electorate and the lack of an urgent care clinic in Taree. Penfold highlighted the high volume of presentations at Manning Base Hospital and the shelving of a proposed public hospital in Forster-Tuncurry. The member insisted that true listening involves addressing sex-based rights and ensuring equitable healthcare access regardless of postcode.

Jordan-Baird shared the story of a young woman with endometriosis to illustrate the normalisation of severe period pain and the difficulty in getting taken seriously. The member emphasised the importance of Women's Health Week in encouraging women to seek care and speak up about their symptoms. Jordan-Baird highlighted the specific risks to women's cardiovascular health, noting that symptoms often differ from those in men and are frequently missed. The member pointed to the establishment of a ministerial expert panel on women's cardiovascular health and the Senate Select Committee on Women's Health as steps towards a holistic, life-course approach to care.

Bell acknowledged the coalition's previous investments in women's health, including the National Women's Health Strategy and initial endometriosis clinic funding. The member welcomed the new menopause assessments and cheaper contraceptives but criticised the government for the decline in bulk-billing and rising out-of-pocket costs, which disproportionately affect women. Bell highlighted the closure of at least 13 private maternity units since 2022, increasing pressure on public systems. The member committed to holding the government accountable for delivering promised training, clinical guidelines, and ongoing funding for endometriosis clinics.