Women's Health Week

Miller-Frost argued that clinical services are often designed around male physiology, leading to delayed diagnoses and poorer outcomes for women, particularly regarding heart attacks and appendicitis. Miller-Frost cited statistics showing women are twice as likely to die six months after a heart attack compared to men and face longer diagnostic delays for endometriosis. Miller-Frost detailed the benefits of the government's health package, noting that new PBS listings have saved women millions of dollars and that the Thrive Endo Clinic in Boothby is providing multidisciplinary care. Miller-Frost also highlighted the government's campaign to destigmatise perimenopause and menopause, aiming to improve recognition and treatment for women aged 35 to 55.

Witty shared anecdotes illustrating how women's symptoms are often overlooked or dismissed, such as a young girl spared unnecessary surgery due to a nurse's questioning and a woman forced to argue for contraceptive access. Witty argued that women's health issues are frequently treated as secondary or private, leading to significant delays in diagnosis and treatment. Witty praised the government's $800 million investment, noting that new PBS listings for contraceptives and menopause therapies have benefited over one million women. Witty emphasised that open conversations during Women's Health Week help break down stigma and encourage earlier seeking of support for conditions like endometriosis and cardiovascular disease.

Ryan argued that the healthcare system remains structurally biased against women, citing surveys showing high rates of gender bias and dismissal of women's pain. Ryan highlighted severe disparities in heart disease treatment, noting women are less likely to receive timely interventions and have higher mortality rates, partly due to atypical symptoms being misinterpreted. While welcoming recent PBS listings for hormone therapies and Medicare items for menopause assessments, Ryan criticised the lack of progress on Senate inquiry recommendations regarding workplace flexibility and reproductive health leave. Ryan called for mandatory sex-disaggregated data in research, improved medical education on women's health, and funding for longer consultations to address complex symptoms.

Clutterham argued that investment in women's health is essential for overall community and economic well-being, citing expert testimony that women have unique reproductive health needs not shared by men. Clutterham highlighted the reduction of stigma around menopause and postpartum challenges, attributing progress to Senate inquiries led by Senator Marielle Smith. Clutterham detailed the financial benefits of the government's package, including frozen co-payments and new PBS listings for contraceptives and endometriosis treatments after decades of stagnation. Clutterham concluded that investing in women's health supports a healthy workforce and population, urging continued commitment despite potential criticism.