Wednesday, 16 October 2024

 John BERGER (Southern Metropolitan) (09:56): A few weeks ago my office was working with Matt Fregon and Kat Theophanous to put together a women’s health forum. We all know that women’s health is an important area. Many women go for years without proper treatment due to unavailability, fear or poor education. At the women’s health forum we heard some amazing guest speakers who were kind enough to give us some of their time. Unfortunately, much of what we learned was horrifying. One in nine women and girls are affected by endometriosis, and almost half of women have lasting complications from childbirth. Fortunately, the Allan Labor government is combating this with historic investments in women’s health. These commitments include six new women’s health hubs throughout Victoria and over 100 new scholarships to allow people to train in sexual and reproductive health, pelvic physio training, menopause and PCOS. I am proud to be part of a government that cares about women’s health, and that is just the start of what will be a long commitment to looking out for all Victorians. I look forward to working with the Premier and my community to promote better outcomes in women’s health.