Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE) applauds the Australian Government’s $573.3 million investment in women’s health, which will improve access, reduce costs, and expand choices for women across the country.
WHISE CEO, Kit McMahon, said the announcement marks a critical step toward addressing long-standing gaps in women’s healthcare.
"This is a game-changer for women’s health in Australia. For too long, access to affordable contraception, menopause support, and specialised care for conditions like endometriosis and pelvic pain has been limited. This investment will make a real difference in the lives of women and gender-diverse people,” McMahon said.
For the first time in over 30 years, new contraceptive pills will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), significantly reducing out-of-pocket costs for thousands of women. WHISE welcomes this move, which will provide more affordable options for people who rely on oral contraception.
"We know cost is a major barrier to contraceptive access. With the listing of Yaz® and Yasmin® on the PBS, around 50,000 women will now save hundreds of dollars each year. This is a huge win for reproductive autonomy," said McMahon.
In addition, the government’s decision to boost Medicare rebates for intrauterine devices (IUDs) and contraceptive implants will bring Australia in line with international best practices, making these highly effective, long-term contraceptive options more accessible.
The investment also includes vital support for women experiencing menopause, with the introduction of a Medicare rebate for menopause health assessments, new national clinical guidelines, and an awareness campaign to empower women with information about their health. WHISE strongly supports these measures, as they will help address the significant gap in menopause care.
"For years, menopause has been overlooked in healthcare policy. Introducing Medicare-funded health assessments and PBS-listed hormone therapies will help women navigate this stage of life with greater support and dignity," McMahon said.
WHISE also welcomes the expansion of endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics, as well as the funding for national trials enabling pharmacists to provide treatment for urinary tract infections (UTIs) and access to over-the-counter contraceptives.
"This investment recognises the specific health needs of women and is tangible evidence of the government’s commitment to gender equity in healthcare," McMahon said.
"We look forward to working with our partners to ensure these reforms are effectively implemented and benefit as many women as possible."
Benefits for Women in the Southern Metropolitan Region of Melbourne
WHISE is particularly pleased about the impact this investment will have on women in the Southern Metropolitan Region of Melbourne, where access to affordable and timely healthcare remains a pressing issue.
"Women in our region face significant barriers to healthcare, particularly in areas like reproductive and menopause care, where costs and service availability can be major challenges. This funding will help ensure that women in the south-east of Melbourne—particularly those from migrant and refugee communities, low-income households, and rural-fringe areas—have better access to essential services,” McMahon said.
With this investment, WHISE anticipates improved affordability and availability of contraception, greater access to specialist care for conditions like endometriosis, and much-needed support for women experiencing menopause.
WHISE remains committed to advocating for gender-equitable healthcare and ensuring that this investment delivers tangible benefits for all women in the Southern Metropolitan Region of Melbourne.
Key Facts:
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Historic investment in women’s health – WHISE welcomes the Australian Government’s $573.3 million commitment to improving access, reducing costs, and expanding healthcare options for women, including affordable contraception, menopause support, and specialist care.
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Major wins for reproductive health – New contraceptive pills will be listed on the PBS, saving around 50,000 women hundreds of dollars annually, while increased Medicare rebates for IUDs and implants will improve accessibility.
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Better support for menopause & chronic conditions – Medicare-funded menopause health assessments, expanded endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics, and pharmacist-led UTI treatment will provide much-needed care for women across Australia.
About us:
Women's Health in the South East (WHISE) is a leading organisation dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of women in the south eastern region. With a focus on promoting gender equity, WHISE advocates for women's rights, acess to healthcare services, and leads initiatives to address gender-based violence and gender inequality. By collaborating with stakeholders, WHISE strives to create positive change and ensure every woman has access to comprehensive, inclusive, and high-quality care. For more information, visit www.whise.org.au
Contact details:
Doseda Hetherington
Communications Lead
E: dhetherington@whise.org.au
M: 0412 317 334
