Tuesday, 5 May 2026

 Gary MAAS (Narre Warren South) (14:10): I rise today to speak about the women’s pain forum that I recently held, facilitated by Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE), for women in my electorate to discuss the Victorian government’s inquiry into women’s pain and its findings. It was wonderful to be joined by the Parliamentary Secretary for Women’s Health the member for Northcote. I know many appreciated her attendance and the serious response from the government. Her presentation was just outstanding, with a focus on systemic solutions to the problems. Many representatives from local organisations in my community reflected on the findings of the inquiry through positive conversations on the realities of our health system in a safe and supportive space. Each plays an important role in supporting this issue on the ground in my electorate. They represent a range of backgrounds, professions and experiences, and the forum offered validation of what they already know: that women’s pain is real and too often dismissed.

CEO Kit McMahon, advocacy and policy adviser Zoe Francis and evidence and policy lead Rachel Bush from WHISE facilitated a significant discussion about the report, allowing those present to discuss where they thought more work needed to be done and what meaningful change could look like in Melbourne’s south-east. WHISE is a great organisation whose continued work supports the health and wellbeing of women in our area. It was also terrific to have the members for Narre Warren North and Cranbourne there to contribute their perspectives.