Wednesday, 31 July 2024

 Natalie HUTCHINS (Sydenham – Minister for Jobs and Industry, Minister for Treaty and First Peoples, Minister for Women) (14:18): I rise to update the house on access to the safe, affordable reproductive choices that this government is supporting through the amazing commitments that we have made to health care in this state. This is all about progressing gender equality here in Victoria, because on this side of the house we understand that abortion care is health care.

Our government’s work to improve access to contraception, to abortion care, to managing women’s pain and to managing women’s health safely has been underpinned by a range of commitments since the last election, including the expansion of the network of sexual and reproductive health hubs across this state. Victoria has the strongest and most progressive protections for women’s rights not only in Australia but around the world. That is why we are delivering an additional nine sexual and reproductive health hubs, bringing our network to 20 sites in total. These hubs have given women access to contraception, medical abortion and referrals for surgical abortion, as well as sexual health testing and treatment, not to mention recognition of women’s pain.

Just last month we announced the final six locations, including three regional locations. Women in Kyneton, Horsham, Ararat and Stawell will now be able to access safe, non-judgemental, affordable sexual and reproductive health care. The significance of this investment goes beyond the city walls; it reaches out to our regions and supports so many women, ensuring that Victorians have access to women’s health and safety, with a focus on respect.