Liberals launch National Women’s Health Strategy

THE federal Liberals have launched the National Women’s Health Strategy 2020-2030, with more than $50 million in funding to improve women’s health in areas such as ovarian cancer and endometriosis.

Announced last week, the strategy contains $20 million for research to help Australian women in their fight against ovarian cancer with a focus on early detection, and more than $10 million for endometriosis.

It also includes:
• $5 million to Jean Hailes for Women’s Health for the continuation of its National Women’s Health Initiative
• $9 million investment to The Glen to build and run a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program
• $1.3 million for an intensive support service to support families following stillbirth.
• More than $4 million for reproductive and family planning organisations, and
• $1.5 million over three years for local women’s health promotion grants.

Corangamite Liberal federal member Sarah Henderson welcomed the announcement, saying the National Women’s Health Strategy would set out a national approach to improving health outcomes for all women and girls in Australia and in her electorate, particularly those at greatest risk of poor health.

“Australian women on the whole enjoy long, healthy lives, with a current average life expectancy of 85 for those born in recent years.

“This relatively long life expectancy disguises a large element of avoidable ill-health and inequitable outcomes between different groups.

“I was so pleased the federal budget also included $50 million for a new Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Geelong.”

Health Minister Greg Hunt said his government was committed to improving health outcomes throughout Australia and building a world class health system.

“Today’s announcements add to the Government’s strong record on women’s health.

“The Women’s Health Strategy for 2020- 2030 includes recommendations for action by governments, health professionals and women themselves.”