Jess Walsh (Victoria, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Last week marked Women's Health Week, and as a gender-equal federal government we are committed to a health system that works for women. For too long, women's health has been overlooked, and as someone who's always fought for a better future for women in this country I'm proud to say that we're determined to change that. Our fantastic assistant minister for health, Ged Kearney, is leading the charge. She's been actively listening to the needs of Australian women and collaborating with the Victorian state government to ensure impactful initiatives in my home state.

Since we've been in government, we have established the National Women's Health Advisory Council, giving a voice to women and girls across the nation. We've launched the #EndGenderBias Survey to better understand women's real experiences and guide our policies—and it's working, thanks to this absolutely crucial work and the brave women who have shared their stories. We have funded 22 endometriosis and pelvic pain specialist clinics, including four in Victoria. We've committed $160 million in the budget to women's health because, under our government, improving women's health is core business. And making sure that women are treated with respect and dignity and listened to about their health—that is core Labor business.

This work not only advances gender equality but saves lives too. Thank you to all the women who've participated and spoken up as part of this work so that women's health is the priority that it needs to be and so that women's health and their needs are seen, heard and addressed in this country.