Thursday, 19 March 2026

 Mary-Anne THOMAS (Macedon – Leader of the House, Minister for Health, Minister for Ambulance Services, Minister for Women) (14:32): I rise to update the house on the Allan Labor government’s commitment to making contraception easier and more accessible for Victorian women at their local chemist. For many women, securing a GP appointment can mean delays, out-of-pocket costs and time away from work, study or caring responsibilities. That is why from July women over 18 will be able to access the oral contraceptive pill directly from trained pharmacists without needing a script from the GP. Of course safety must always come first. That is why pharmacists must complete postgraduate training, undertake a thorough consultation with their patient and provide advice about alternatives, including long-acting reversible contraceptives. And of course, if there are concerns, pharmacists will do what they have always done and refer their patient to their GP. Victorians have already accessed treatment more than 77,000 times through Chemist Care Now, and women are the big winners, seeking access to resupply of the oral contraceptive pill and treatment for uncomplicated UTIs. But from July they will be able to initiate contraceptive supply. With access through more than 850 community pharmacies right around the state, our new reform will continue to save Victorian women time, no matter where they live.

We believe that access to contraception is not a luxury, it is fundamental health care. Removing barriers improves health outcomes, gives women greater control over their reproductive choices and prevents unplanned pregnancies. While this is a reform that is supported by the Queensland Liberals, here in Victoria the member for Kew and the Liberals have indicated they would wind back this reform and limit access to contraception for Victorian women. We have to ask – it begs the question: what other reforms to reproductive care would they roll back under a Wilson-led Liberal government?