Libby Coker (Corangamite, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Every woman has a story of gender bias, whether it's being ignored by a doctor, having their symptoms dismissed or feeling unable to make decisions about their own body. These stories often reveal prolonged suffering and the painful journey to a proper diagnosis. That's why next Tuesday I will be hosting a women's health forum, alongside the amazing Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, in my electorate of Corangamite. This free event will be held in Armstrong Creek. I'm encouraging women across my region to come along and hear about not just the unique challenges facing women in our healthcare system but also the positive changes that are occurring right now.

The Albanese government, the first majority female government in Australian history, is working hard to deliver this positive change and better outcomes by listening to women and acting on their concerns. This is why we have rolled out Australia's first #EndGenderBias survey, a survey shedding light on the many unique challenges facing women in our healthcare system, with over 2,800 responses pouring in from women sharing their personal stories. These women shared vivid accounts of pain, trauma and humiliation, painting a stark and troubling picture of women's treatment in the medical system. The evidence is compelling. Two-thirds of respondents reported experiencing gender bias or discrimination within the healthcare system. It's simply not good enough. We know that many GPs are doing a very good job, but this is concerning. The most prevalent setting for bias was in general practice, especially during diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care. This survey revealed a disheartening reality that demands more action.

Our government is now responding to many of these challenges, and the Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care is playing a key role in delivering better outcomes for women. In my region, we have opened a new endometriosis and pelvic pain clinic in Belmont, with 22 endo clinics now across the nation. We know an enormous number of women suffer pelvic pain and are often told it's completely normal and to shut up and put up with it. We know that in Australia at least one in nine girls and women suffer from endometriosis and, on average, women wait around seven years between seeking medical help and receiving a diagnosis. This is unacceptable. This is why the Albanese Labor government is funding these clinics in every state and territory—to improve access to diagnostic and treatment services, to build the primary care workforce to better manage endometriosis and to improve access to new information and care pathways.

At the forum next Tuesday the assistant minister and I will be joined by Dr Caitlyn Pring from the clinic. Dr Pring is passionate about women's health, from managing conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis and painful periods to helping women successfully navigate perimenopause and menopause. We will also have Dr Natalie Anderson, a psychotherapist from Innerstrength Healthcare. Natalie has been helping women navigate their pelvic health and birth recovery journey for over 10 years. These women are incredible experts and awesome advocates for better outcomes for women, and I am so excited that they will be joining us at the forum.

The Albanese Labor government is committed to prioritising women's health, driven by a strong desire to empower Australian women in every aspect of their lives. Just this morning, our government passed a significant reform through the House of Representatives: super on Paid Parental Leave is now one step closer to becoming a reality. This reform is part of a broader agenda to address the struggles women face, whether dealing with poverty, the gender pay gap, the gender superannuation gap, marginalisation or insufficient health care. As part of the broader agenda, we have also announced $48.2 million dollars invested in the national strategy for the elimination of cervical cancer.

In closing, we are doing everything we can to support women. We are ensuring better health outcomes for women, which will strengthen our communities and enrich our society because, when women do well, we all do well.

Question agreed to.

Federation Chamber adjourned at 11:14

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