The Albanese Labor Government continues its unprecedented investment in women’s health, announcing the recipients of $2.019 million in grant funding to support women living with endometriosis.
This funding is part of the Government’s $58.3 million package for endometriosis and pelvic pain, announced in the 2022-23 Budget, which included the establishment of 22 dedicated Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics across Australia.
It’s estimated that endometriosis affects at least 1 in 9 Australian women and has an extensive, devastating impact on the daily lives of sufferers, with people experiencing an unacceptable average of seven years before diagnosis. Pelvic pain can be similarly complex and debilitating, with the impact being felt beyond individuals as it is estimated to cost the Australian economy almost $10 billion a year.
Endometriosis can impact all facets of women’s lives – from their ability to work, exercise and socialise, their fertility and even their sex lives. Labor recognises the debilitating and often silent impact of endometriosis and pelvic pain and is taking action to support women through practical steps to improve diagnosis and treatment.
The Increasing Awareness of Endometriosis in Priority Populations Grants has been awarded to three organisations: Australian Coalition for Endometriosis, Endometriosis Australia, and QENDO Inc. This includes:
- The Australian Coalition for Endometriosis will receive $255,000 to drive improvements and support in the endometriosis community.
- Endometriosis Australia will receive $255,000 to build on their work supporting the endometriosis community. In addition, it will receive $787,000 to develop workplace guidelines, educate organisations about staff living with endometriosis, and create better awareness and open communication. A further $286,000 will go to Endometriosis Australia so they can reach priority groups with accessible and fit for purpose resources so all Australians can be better supported to live with endometriosis.
- QENDO Inc will receive $436,000 to develop a national endometriosis mentor program to empower those with the condition through peer support.
Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Ged Kearney announced the grant recipients in the Gold Coast at the Medical Super Clinic Benowa – the latest of the Government’s clinics. The clinic has been operating for some months and has already seen 350 patients referred for support for endometriosis or pelvic pain. Of these, almost 280 are new patients to the clinic.
The grant funding will specifically target priority populations to ensure they are better informed and supported to deal with endometriosis. This includes First Nations people, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, people with a disability, adolescents, and the gender diverse community including trans-masculine, non-binary and intersex people.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care
the Hon Ged Kearney MP:
“Too many women suffer because their pain is not taken seriously – it’s dismissed and goes undiagnosed too long. Labor’s commitment to women’s health means taking practical steps to help people with endometriosis and pelvic pain.
“We know at least one in nine women and girls experience endometriosis, and they currently wait an average of seven years for a diagnosis. We are trying to change that.
“The Medical Super Clinic Benowa is crucial for women in the Gold Coast who need answers and support. It brings the expertise they need under one roof.
“We know that people in priority populations often suffer in silence. These grants will go a long way to ensure that First Nations, culturally diverse, people with a disability or gender diverse people are better informed and supported – physically and psychologically – to deal with endometriosis”.
