Wednesday, 10 September 2025

Women’s health

Alison MARCHANT (Bellarine) (19:12): (1315) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Health, and the action I seek is an update on how the virtual women’s health clinic has benefited constituents in the Bellarine since its launch in July this year. The virtual women’s clinic is a significant step forward in ensuring women and girls across Victoria have access to expert timely medical advice and support, regardless of where they live. It provides specialist care across a wide range of health needs, including endometriosis, pelvic pain, menstrual health, cervical screening, menopause, breast health and abortion care. By removing barriers such as long travel distances and wait times, the clinic delivers accessibility, confidential advice and high-quality care to those who need it most.

This initiative is part of the Victorian government’s broader nation-leading investment in women’s health, including the rollout of public IVF services, providing families with a fairer chance of starting and growing a family. There is the expansion of dedicated women’s health clinics across the state and also, excitingly, the new construction of the women’s and children’s hospital in Geelong, which will serve the Bellarine and our region for generations to come. Equally important is the government’s free pads and tampons program, first introduced into public schools and now available in many public places, including three libraries across the Bellarine, to help combat period poverty and promote dignity for all women and girls. I look forward to hearing from the minister and sharing with my community how the virtual women’s clinic has supported local women and girls since its launch and how it will continue to do so into the future.