Jana Stewart (Victoria, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

If you're a woman in this country, you'll want to listen up to what I've got to say the next couple of minutes. The Albanese Labor government's landmark women's health package is a transformative investment, delivering almost $800 million that is improving access, affordability and choice for women right across the country. From 1 November 2025, which was just over the weekend, all Australian women will have access to a whole range more. The NuvaRing has been added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Until now, women could pay more than $270 a year. That cost will now fall to just $31.60 per script and $7.70 if you've got a concession card—even lower from January next year, down to $25. These changes are about empowering women to take control of their reproductive health without being limited by cost or access.

We're also making long-term, long-acting reversible contraceptives, such as IUDs and implants, more affordable for around 300,000 Australian women each year—saving up to $400 in out-of-pocket costs. We're investing in free training for health practitioners and introducing a 40 per cent bulk-billing incentive to improve access to care and enhance women's reproductive autotomy. It was Labor who created Medicare, and we will always act to strengthen it, ensuring your postcode or your bank balance never determine your access to care. Just this month, it has become easier than ever to find a bulk-billed GP. All Australians are now eligible for bulk-billing incentives under the Albanese government's $8½ billion investment—the biggest investment to Medicare in over 40 years. This will mean 18 million more bulk-billed GP visits each year and nine out of 10 GPs bulk-billed by 2030.