New Select Committee to continue focus on women’s health

The Senate has today agreed to establish a Senate Select Committee on women’s health, following a motion moved by Senator Marielle Smith.

A new Select Committee in the Senate, chaired by Senator Smith, will elevate women’s voices and experiences by holding public hearings across Australia.

The new Select Committee will have a strong focus on women’s health issues including fertility, postpartum healthcare and women’s pain.

This work builds on the Albanese Labor Government’s work to deliver more choice, lower costs and better care for women and girls in Australia.

Our landmark investment of nearly $800 million in women’s health has meant that hundreds of thousands of women have saved money on essential medicines, more women are getting dedicated endometriosis and menopause care and access to long-acting contraception is easier and more affordable.

The Government is also delivering support for First Nations women and families through our investments in Birthing on Country and First Nations Maternal and Child Health Models that support women to access culturally appropriate care in community.

Assistant Minister for Health and Ageing and Assistant Minister for Women, Hon. Rebecca White MP looks forward to receiving the recommendations of the final report and considering how they may inform future policy development.

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Health and Ageing, Rebecca White MP

“The Albanese Government has made women’s health a national priority, investing nearly $800 million to deliver more choice, lower costs and better care for women across Australia.

“Every woman’s experience of healthcare is different and it’s important we listen to women and their families about their reproductive journey including their experiences of pregnancy loss and postpartum care.

“I encourage women, families, organisations and advocates to share their experiences and insights, so we can continue to improve care and support for women across Australia.”

Quotes attributable to Senator Marielle Smith, Senator for South Australia

“I am grateful to have the support of the Senate to establish this committee and thank my fellow Senators who voted in support of it.

“I am determined to use the powerful spotlight of the Senate to continue to bring women’s lived experiences into the light, so we can drive the change that they deserve.

“Too many women are suffering in the postpartum period. Too many are sitting in a darkness that can feel all consuming. We cannot leave them to face this alone.

“I am determined to use my role in the Senate to continue driving change in women’s health and am firmly of the belief that this is the next frontier that we must tackle with urgency.

“We know from the Senate Inquiry into Issues related to Menopause and Perimenopause, that by overcoming stigma and bringing lived experience into the light, change is possible.

“This committee will provide a space for women to share their experiences, and have their voices heard.”

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Emma McBride

“We know that around one in five new and expectant mothers experience perinatal depression or anxiety, and many never receive the support they need.

“That’s why the Albanese Government has made perinatal mental health a priority, including investing in a national network of dedicated perinatal mental health centres. But we know there is more work to do.

“We must build on the systems already in place to make sure every woman can navigate pregnancy and early parenthood with confidence, knowing support is only a small step away.

“This inquiry is an important opportunity to hear directly from women and families about their experiences, identify gaps in care, and make sure women receive the support they deserve right across out healthcare system.”

Terms of reference

1. That a select committee, to be known as the Select Committee on Women’s Health, be established to inquire into and report on:
   1. best practice approaches to postpartum healthcare, including the delivery of physical and mental health support and services for mothers and their partners including those who have experienced infant loss;
   2. women’s experiences in the postpartum period, including the physical, psychological, emotional and economic impacts of birth;
   3. best practice pregnancy and postpartum care models to support long-term maternal physical and mental health;
   4. the cost and accessibility of postpartum healthcare, including:
      1. infant feeding supports,
      2. mental health supports and services,
      3. physiotherapy services, including pelvic health services, and
      4. related allied health services;
   5. antenatal and postpartum reproductive health support and education, including contraceptive care;
   6. research, education and training on pregnancy and postpartum care for healthcare professionals working in maternal care;
   7. existing Commonwealth, state and territory government policies, programs and healthcare initiatives addressing postpartum care;
   8. data collection, reporting and monitoring processes and allocation of research efforts relating to postpartum healthcare;
   9. the ways in which women and girls experience recurrent, severe, or long-lasting pain conditions;
   10. women’s experience in seeking appropriate healthcare responses to pain, including experiences of medical misogyny;
   11. barriers to effective pain management, including the range and affordability of available treatments;
   12. best practice approaches to assisted reproduction treatments;
   13. access and affordability issues relating to fertility and assisted reproduction treatments;
   14. the regulation of medical devices used in women’s healthcare treatments, including risk assessments, monitoring and reporting;
   15. the role of relevant regulators and other agencies in responding to complaints regarding medical devices; and
   16. any related matters.