Better healthcare for women - Because it matters

It’s bad enough to be sick and in pain. But to seek help, to take all the right steps, and then to not be diagnosed, not be listened to, and sometimes not even be believed – that experience can be harder to deal with than the condition itself.

And that’s exactly what it’s like for many Australian women with endometriosis.

Endometriosis is estimated to affect at least 1 in 9 Australian women. It has an extensive, devastating impact on daily life – and an unacceptable average of seven years before diagnosis.

That’s why the Albanese Labor Government is stepping up support for women suffering endometriosis and complex gynaecological conditions like chronic pelvic pain and PCOS.

The current Medicare system pays a very low rebate for gynaecological care. This leaves women with consults that are too short or big out of pocket costs.

Next year, for the first time ever, women will have access to longer specialist consultations, of 45 minutes or more, covered under Medicare.

This will ensure women can have more time with their doctor, without the huge cost. It will also mean women receive more timely and appropriate assessments and aren’t left waiting for critical diagnoses and treatments.

This builds on the investment that we’ve already made to better support women with endometriosis, including opening 22 endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics across the country.

Right now, endometriosis and complex gynaecological conditions are under-diagnosed, under-treated and misunderstood.

We’re determined to fix this. And to do that, we have to listen to women.

All of these policies have been designed by women, for women. They’re inked in lived experience – and they’re all the stronger for it.

Initiatives like these only come from a Government where women have a voice and are properly represented – and I’m proud to be your Senator, in a Government like that.