The Albanese Government has established a National Women’s Health Advisory Council designed to address health inequalities for women and girls in Australia.
Welcoming the announcement, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) President Dr Nicole Higgins says this is a “positive step forward for the healthcare of women and girls”.
“We must address inequalities in healthcare and that includes the treatment and care of women and children,” Dr Higgins said.
The Council will provide advice to improve the nation’s health system for women and girls, including healthcare offered in relation to menstruation, reproductive options, menopause, medical consent, and pain management.
It will also consider medical research and health outcomes for women across a range of conditions, like heart disease, autism, and cancer care.
The Council will be chaired by Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care Ged Kearney, with Dr Higgins acting as a special adviser.
Dr Higgins says establishing the Council is “a great start” in the work needed to “improve healthcare outcomes for women and girls in communities across Australia”.
“The Council has enormous potential to be a game-changer,” Dr Higgins said.
“It will comprise eminent women’s health experts along with representatives from peak health organisations, consumer groups and professional bodies including women with lived experience.
“We have a new government, and a new opportunity to improve healthcare for half of Australia’s population.
“Let’s … make sure that women and girls have tailored healthcare that reflects their experiences,” she said.
