Wednesday, 18 March 2026

 John PESUTTO (Hawthorn) (19:15): (1595) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Health. The action I seek is for the minister to meet with the health sector leaders who attended my recent women’s health dialogue to hear where the system is failing women and to commit to delivering a coordinated, integrated model of care that addresses the current fragmentation across services. In the lead-up to International Women’s Day I, together with my colleagues Georgie Crozier and Cindy McLeish, hosted the Hawthorn women’s health dialogue. I wish to thank all the very distinguished participants who attended: Michelle Marven from the Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes Victoria; Dr Adele Murdolo from the Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health; Kate Phillips from Women’s Health East; Dr Shami Kathurusinghe from Clynden Ave specialist clinic; Professor Jo Williams, Associate Professor Paige van der Pligt, Dr Mercy Thomas, Dr Kathleen De Boer, Dr Ilona McNeill, Dr Inge Gnatt, Dr Jessica Sharp, Associate Professor Junhua Xiao and Dr Margaret Murray from the school of health sciences at Swinburne University of Technology; Professor Kathryn von Treuer from the Cairnmillar Institute; Sally Hasler and Jo Richardson from Women’s Health Victoria; Carolyn Walker from Days for Girls; Sandra Fiona Netto from Chemist Warehouse; and Debbie Wilkinson from Access Health – all very accomplished leaders. Their generous contributions, insights and expertise informed our discussion on improving women’s health outcomes.

This initiative provided a structured opportunity to examine the most pressing challenges in women’s health across Victoria today. Several clear takeaways emerged from the day. Firstly, women often delay or forgo their own health and wellbeing, prioritising the care of others. This pattern is shaped by both cultural expectations and systemic barriers. This must change. Secondly, there is an urgent need for greater investment in research, prevention and early intervention to reduce long-term costs and improve outcomes. Thirdly, our health system is too fragmented. Access, care and service integration need drastic improvements so women can navigate the system more easily and receive coordinated and timely care. Across our state these challenges are particularly acute in regional areas and in culturally diverse and socio-economically vulnerable cohorts. Victorian women deserve a health system that works for them, not against them. The need for action is clear, and I urge the minister to engage directly with these distinguished health sector leaders and act.