Thursday, 31 August 2023

Ministers statements: women’s sexual and reproductive health

Mary-Anne THOMAS (Macedon – Leader of the House, Minister for Health, Minister for Health Infrastructure, Minister for Medical Research) (14:09): I rise today to update the house on the Andrews Labor government’s work to support the reproductive rights of all Victorians. On this side of the house we are clear on our position. We believe that abortion care is health care. We are committed to ensuring that all women have the right to make decisions about their own bodies. It was Labor that took the historic step of decriminalising abortion in this state, and it was Labor that passed legislation to establish safe access zones around abortion providers in 2015 so that women could access the health care that they need without being threatened or harassed.

But we have not stopped there. We are investing further to improve women’s access to sexual and reproductive health hubs. We have got 11 already established and nine more on their way. This is on top of the 20 women’s healthcare clinics that we are delivering with our public health services. It is all part of our $153 million women’s health package, and with women’s health, we have got so much to celebrate and connect with our communities here on this side of the house. But it is important to remember that it was not so long ago that those on the other side were led by a person who did not support our abortion bill, did not support access to safe access zones and indeed that member was joined at the time by the member for Caulfield, the member for Polwarth, the member for Croydon, the member for Benambra and the member for Gippsland East.

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, on relevance. The minister knows to not debate the matter.

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Order! Ministers statements are for the minister to deliver within the standing orders. The Minister was delivering her statement and was comparing and contrasting with previous legislation and votes in this chamber. There is no point of order.

Mary-Anne THOMAS: Thank you very much, Speaker. While they have seen a change of leader, Victorians have a right to ask how much has really changed. How can we trust those opposite when their party room is now being infiltrated by extreme, ultraconservative anti-women views?

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Order! The minister has concluded her statement.