What The Federal Women’s Health Reforms Mean For Australians

The Albanese government has pledged more than half a billion dollars in funding for women’s health reforms in Australia with its five year plan set to lower costs and provide better access to meaningful healthcare across the country.

Announced on February 9, the $573.3 million reform package was informed by extensive consultation with Australian women, healthcare providers, advocacy groups and input from the National Women’s Health Advisory Council, as a way to tackle the gender health gap.

As part of the proposed measures, the government will add new contraceptive pills to the pharmaceutical benefits scheme (PBS) for the first time in 30 years, increase Medicare rebates for contraceptive devices and menopausal treatments, add access to endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics, and invest in further training for healthcare professionals in key areas of concern.

“Women have asked government to take their healthcare seriously, and we have listened,” said Minister for women, Katy Gallagher of the landmark announcement.

“Our investment of more than half a billion dollars will deliver more choice, lower costs, and better healthcare for women at all stages of their lives.

“These changes could save women and their families thousands of dollars across their lifetimes.”

The welcome announcement also comes off the back of two parliamentary inquiries into reproductive health and menopause, that each revealed glaring inadequacies and widespread, long-standing discrimination against women in the healthcare system.

So what does the government’s women’s health reforms mean for you, your body and households around Australia?

New Measures: At A Glance

Table of Contents

New Contraceptive Pills On The PBS

Would you believe it’s been three decades since a new contraceptive bill has been added to the PBS?

Not only does that alarming statistic mean that Australian women have been baring the out-of-pocket cost for non-PBS listed contraceptive pills, but it also means that some of the most commonly prescribed and used medications have remained uncovered. That is, until now.

As part of the women’s health reforms Australia package, Yaz and Yasmin, two of the most commonly used pills, will be added to the PBS.

The move is set to benefit approximately 50,000 women each year and will reduce out-of-pocket payments to $126.40, or just $30.80 for concession card holders, from $380.

Work is also being undertaken to add further listings.

Increased Medicare Support For IUDs

According to reports published alongside the government’s announcement, Australian women have some of the lowest uptake numbers for long-term contraceptives such as IUDs or implants.

One in 10 Australian women choose these forms of contraceptives, compared to 1 in 8 women in New Zealand, or 1 in 3 in Sweden.

Up until now, the out-of-pocket costs for women seeking to access these types of contraceptives have been costly, with women often having to pay for the insertion or removal service, as well as the device, separately.

As part of the reforms, the government will increase Medicare payments to doctors and nurse practitioners who provide bulk billed services, and will boost rebates by up to 150 per cent.

The savings are expected to reach up to $400 and benefit around 300,000 women.

Medicare Rebates For Menopausal Hormone Therapies

Considering the widespread and long-standing discrimination against women in the healthcare system, it’s not exactly a surprise that women’s experience of menopause in Australia hasn’t been taken seriously until recently.

From inadequate healthcare to unsupportive workplace policies and social stigma, the latest inquiry into menopause uncovered some of the systemic issues at play and their considerable impact on women’s health and economic outcomes.

Now, after more than 20 years, those findings have helped inform the government’s proposed women’s health reforms.

From March 1, three new menopausal hormone therapies will now be listed on the PBS.

The changes are expected to benefit around 150,000 women each year who’d previously had to cover costs up to $670 a year for treatment.

Additional Endometriosis & Pelvic Pain Clinics

Woman with pelvic inflammatory disease. PID infection of one or more of the upper reproductive organs, including the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries

On top of the government’s previous commitment to adding various endometriosis treatments to the PBS late last year, the package also promises to deliver 11 endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics across Australia, as well as expand the remit of 33 total clinics.

As part of the package, the clinics will also be provided with the professional training and specialist support for menopause and perimenopause treatment.

Easier Access To Contraceptives and UTI Treatment

The government also announced plans to provide over $100 million to support national trials aiming to provide access to those seeking treatment for uncomplicated UTIs and over-the-counter contraceptives.

Struggling to get an appointment with your GP but needing to treat a painful UTI stat? The proposal will allow pharmacists to administer the necessary medication to those in need, including the prescription of common contraceptives, forgoing the need for costly consultations or long waiting periods.

If Labor is re-elected, the expansion of pharmacy-based services are set to come into effect from early 2026.

“From our first periods as young girls to menopause in older age, women’s health has been shrouded in shame and stigma. I’m proud to be part of an Albanese Labor Government that stands up for women and says this is not good enough, and it never has been,” said Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Ged Kearney.

“Women deserve choice and control when it comes to their healthcare needs, and they deserve a healthcare system that understands and responds to these needs as they change throughout their lives.

“This investment in women’s health of over half a billion dollars will shift the dial on an entrenched culture of medical misogyny – we’re talking about alleviating pain, reducing delays in diagnosis, avoiding unplanned pregnancies, and transforming menopause care.”