Media release: CEW welcomes major investment in women’s health to unlock women’s workforce participation

February 9, 2025  

Chief Executive Women (CEW) has welcomed the Federal Government’s $573.3 million investment in women’s health, which aims to improve access, ease cost of living pressures, and help more women stay in work. 

CEW has long called for workplace, healthcare, and legislative reforms to address menopause and perimenopause, and for support for Australian women throughout their reproductive life stages. 

CEW chief executive Lisa Annese said women’s health and economic participation were inextricably linked, and that better healthcare would improve their economic security, particularly as they remain active in the workforce. 

“This investment is a step forward for Australian women and their families. On average, Australian women leave work 12 years earlier than they want, often at the height of their careers, due in large part to their health. This has a significant impact not just on them, but also on the country — we know that employing just 5 per cent more people aged 55 or older could add $48 billion to the Australian economy,” she said. 

“Women’s labour force absence costs $72 billion in lost GDP annually. By ensuring women can access affordable, high-quality healthcare, we are improving their choices, supporting workforce participation, and strengthening economic prosperity.” 

CEW welcomes key measures in the package, including: 

• A new Medicare rebate for menopause health checks, funding for health professional training, clear clinical guidelines, and a national awareness campaign. 

• New PBS listings for menopause hormone therapies, providing crucial savings for 150,000 women. 

• More funding for endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics, including 11 new locations and expanded specialist support for menopause. 

• The first addition of new oral contraceptive pills to the PBS in over 30 years, saving 50,000 women hundreds of dollars annually. 

• More Medicare support for long-term contraceptives, reducing out-of-pocket costs by up to $400 for around 300,000 women per year. 

• National trials allowing 250,000 concession cardholders to access contraceptives and UTI treatments directly from pharmacies with free consultations. 

“Women’s health has a direct impact on workforce participation and economic wellbeing. This long-term investment will improve the lives of millions of Australian women and support them in maintaining their careers. These changes are necessary to support the wellbeing of every Australian woman and girls to thrive,” Annese said.  

CEW’s previous government submission on issues related to menopause and perimenopause can be viewed here. 

ENDS 

CEW Media Contact:  

Jesse McCarthy-Price 
jesse@cew.org.au 
0429 160 550