In a statement, the Albanese government said that the new package was developed following extensive consultations with women from across the country, healthcare providers, advocacy groups, the National Women’s Health Advisory Council, and the outcomes of two separate Senate inquiries into women’s health.
The measures announced this morning include:
- The first PBS listing for new oral contraceptive pills in over 30 years, with the listing of Yaz and Yasmin from 1 March 2025;
- Increased Medicare payments and expanded bulk billing for IUDs and birth control implants, which the government estimates will save around 300,000 women up to $400 annually in out-of-pocket costs;
- Additional Medicare support for women experiencing menopause, including a new rebate for menopause health assessments, funding to train health professionals, and the introduction of first-ever clinical guidelines;
- The first PBS listing for new menopausal hormone therapies in over 20 years, with the listing of Prometrium, Estrogel, and Estrogel Pro.
- Funding for additional endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics, as well as expanding their remit to treat more conditions, including the opening of 11 new clinics;
- The ability to access contraceptives and treatment for uncomplicated UTIs directly from pharmacies, with two national trials set to take place.
While some of these measures will be implemented immediately—such as the PBS listing of the new contraceptive pills and menopausal hormone therapies—others will come into effect following the re-election of the Albanese government.
“With no new contraceptive pill or menopausal hormone therapy added to the PBS in decades, it was clear the PBS wasn’t working for women,” Minister Butler said. Currently, one in three Australian women aged 18-39 who use the combined oral contraceptive pill are paying for a non-PBS-listed pill. The government says that the listing of Yaz and Yasmin is expected to benefit around 50,000 women per year.
The package will also boost Medicare payments to doctors and nurses to provide bulk billed insertion and removal of IUDs and implants, while Medicare rebates will increase up to 150 per cent. Australian women have some of the lowest uptake rates of long-term contraceptives like IUDs or birth control implants. Only one in 10 Australian women use a long-term contraceptive, compared to one in eight in New Zealand, one in seven in Ireland, and one in three in Sweden.
“Women have asked the government to take their healthcare seriously, and we have listened. Our investment of more than half a billion dollars will provide more choices, lower costs, and better healthcare for women at all stages of their lives,” said Minister Gallagher.
“These changes could save women and their families thousands of dollars over their lifetimes. Whether it’s saving hundreds of dollars on contraceptives, opening more endo and pelvic pain clinics, or ensuring more reliable support for women going through menopause—this comprehensive package will benefit millions of women and their families.”
The Albanese government hopes the package will help “shift the dial in an entrenched culture of medical misogyny” – and here at Missing Perspectives, while long overdue, we think this package is a great place to start.