WOMEN HEALTH PACKAGE DELIVERS: ONE YEAR ON HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF WOMEN ACCESS CHEAPER, BETTER HEALTH CARE

SENATOR THE HON KATY GALLAGHER
MINISTER FOR FINANCE
MINISTER FOR WOMEN
MINISTER FOR THE PUBLIC SERVICE
MINISTER FOR GOVERNMENT SERVICES
SENATOR FOR THE AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

MARK BUTLER MP
MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND AGEING
MINISTER FOR DISABILITY AND THE NDIS

REBECCA WHITE MP 
ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND AGED CARE 
ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR INDIGENOUS HEALTH 
ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR WOMEN

WOMEN HEALTH PACKAGE DELIVERS: ONE YEAR ON HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF WOMEN ACCESS CHEAPER, BETTER HEALTH CARE

Twelve months after the landmark 23 million on 573,000 scripts in the past year.

The first PBS listing of new menopausal hormone therapies in over 20 years has helped 363,000 women save 4.9 million on 26,000 scripts in the past year.

Women undergoing IVF (in vitro fertilisation) are receiving earlier and more affordable access to a form of fertility treatment, with more than 46,000 women with specific low levels of reproductive hormones accessing 273,000 scripts in the past year.

Since January 2026 women will get further savings from the reduction in out-of-pocket costs for PBS prescription medicines now 7.70.

The Albanese Government changes to make Medicare work better for women with:

Over 71,000 women undergoing a menopause health assessment since 1 July 2025, when they first became covered by Medicare.
400 in out-of-pocket costs a year, improving access.
11 additional Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics have opened taking the network to 33 nationwide. The new clinics have also started providing perimenopause and menopause care, with the original clinics to provide this support later in the year.
National clinical guidelines for perimenopause and menopause will be developed to support health professionals provide evidenced-based consistent care; and Australia's first national awareness campaign for menopause and perimenopause will launch this year.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Finance and Minister for Women, Katy Gallagher:

"Women asked government to take their health seriously, and we've delivered. In just the first year, hundreds of thousands of women have saved money on essential medicines, more are getting dedicated menopause care through Medicare, and access to long-acting contraception is easier and more affordable.

"This is practical change that shows up at the pharmacy counter and in the GP clinic. With $25 PBS scripts now in place, costs are coming down even further in 2026.

"Backed by record investment, we're modernising women's health, expanding specialised care through clinics, improving access in primary care, and making sure the system actually works for women at every age and stage."

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health and Ageing Minister for Disability and the NDIS, Mark Butler:

"All Australian women deserve to have their health issues taken seriously and given the priority they deserve.

"Our government is doing that, delivering women more choice, lower costs and better access to services and treatments."

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Health, Rebecca White:

"One year on from the launch of the landmark Women's Health Package, the impact is clear. Women are paying less for essential medicines, accessing more support through Medicare and the PBS, and getting access to the health care they deserve.

"The Albanese Government is changing the way women's health is treated and viewed, no longer as an afterthought, but as a priority.

"I'm incredibly proud of what we've achieved for women and girls through this package, and we are committed to building on this progress, strengthening Medicare, opening new endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics, training health professionals and empowering women in a health system that values them."

MONDAY, 9 FEBRUARY 2026

Twelve months after the landmark $792.9 million women's health package, the Albanese Labor Government is continuing to deliver