The Allan Labor Government is making sure more women across Victoria can access the preventative health promotion and education they need to live healthy and happy lives.
Made possible by an investment of $18 million in the Victorian Budget 2024/25 – 12 women’s health organisations, including Gippsland Women’s Health will use these funds to deliver initiatives focused on sexual and reproductive health, chronic illness and reducing the impact of family violence on women and the health system.
The work will be delivered by women, for women, including those from multicultural backgrounds, Aboriginal women, and women with disabilities.
Women’s Health organisations provide a range of services including producing tools and resources to empower women to take charge of their own health, sharing information about women’s rights and service options, as well as initiatives to promote gender equality, family violence prevention, and inclusive women’s health policy.
This year’s funding builds on the delivery of $153 million in the Victorian Budget 2023/24 and is part of a broader investment into women’s health by the Labor Government to close the gender pain gap and deliver equity in healthcare.
Victoria has a proud track record of investing in women’s health – from establishing Victoria’s first clinic for women’s heart health, delivering 14 sexual and reproductive health hubs, and launching the state’s first ever sexual and reproductive health phone line.
Victoria’s landmark Inquiry into Women’s Pain is taking submissions until 31 July 2024, with the survey now available in 10 languages to ensure more voices can contribute and be heard. Inquiry focus groups with community and clinicians will also take place throughout June and July 2024.
Submissions can be made via engage.vic.gov.au/inquiry-into-womens-pain-survey.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas
“Women’s health matters. That’s why we are currently delivering a complete transformation of women’s health in Victoria – and supporting these 12 organisation to continue delivering for women across the state.”
“For too long women’s pain has been overlooked, misdiagnosed and dismissed – we’re taking a stand by listening to Victorian women and overhauling how women’s health is treated in Victoria.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh
“We’re proud to get on the front foot around delivering improved health outcomes for women in Gippsland.”
Quote attributable to Gippsland Women’s Health CEO Kate Graham
“The continued funding uplift recognises the significant role of women’s health services in the Victorian public health system as primary leaders in reducing the impact of gender inequality on health, safety and wellbeing outcomes for Victorian women.”
“We are thrilled with the continued funding commitment from the Victorian Government and opportunity to continue to strengthen local capacity and strive for a Gippsland where all women and girls are safe, informed, and healthy.”
