Maria Kovacic (NSW, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Last week, Senator Ruston, Sussan Ley, who is the deputy opposition leader, Melissa McIntosh, who is the member for Lindsay, and I, with the help of Western Sydney Executive Women, held a women's health round table and community discussion in Penrith.

One of the big issues that came up, and one that I'm familiar with from my work with the Senate's inquiry into it, was around menopause and perimenopause. This is a life event that women will go through in their lifetime, and for me it remains bewildering that it is still somewhat taboo. We heard that apparently it is a subject that falls into the category of 'tricky conversations'. It really shouldn't be, because not talking about something has never actually solved anything. When it comes to what women are asking for in this space, it isn't anything revolutionary or any type of impossible feat. We heard that women want flexible arrangements around work so that they can manage their symptoms and have easier access to modern medications, which for many women can be life changing. Currently, shortages in these medications is a problem that we really need to address.

Another key topic of discussion was around endometriosis. Endo is something that we are increasingly learning more about, yet for decades women who suffered with the symptoms were routinely dismissed. Many were told that it was all in their head or that pain and heavy periods were just a part of being a woman. Well, it's not a part of being a woman that anyone should have to deal with, and being in excruciating pain for a number of days every month isn't acceptable.

Women want and frankly deserve access to up-to-date health services on the issues that affect them. They don't want to be told that their symptoms are made up or not as bad as they think they are. Endometriosis is a big issue in the women's health space, with one in nine females in Australia developing it at some time in their lives. It's something that deserves broader attention. We also had the opportunity to discuss the importance of IVF and accessibility to IVF. Families are important, and we want to encourage an environment where, if people want to start a family, they can and where, if they need help, that help is available. IVF offers a choice of family making to people who may otherwise not be able to.

Women's health is really important, and last week's round table in Western Sydney gave us some insights as to how we as policymakers should approach it and what best practice does and does not look like. I would like to thank my colleagues and the health professionals and women of Western Sydney for their time and participation. Thank you.

Senate adjourned at 20 : 12