Laverton electorate
Sarah CONNOLLY (Laverton) (14:48): (295) My question is for the Minister for Health. At the last election our government committed to creating and implementing 20 new women’s health clinics right across Victoria. These hubs are intended to function as a one-stop shop for women seeking medical treatment or advice for health issues or conditions that are mostly related to women, such as sexual and reproductive health. We know that too often mainstream health care has a record of underdiagnosing or overlooking health issues that relate mainly to women. Women make up half of our population. The health issues that affect us are not niche but are something that affect us on a daily basis. That is why we are changing that by ensuring that our hospitals have the resources needed to treat and advise on these very issues. In Melbourne’s west, three of these clinics will be up and running – at Werribee Mercy, Sunshine Hospital and Footscray Hospital, all of which I am very proud to say service my electorate of Laverton. My question for the minister is this: what benefit will these hubs have for women across the Laverton electorate?