Federal Government commits $49.1 million to women’s health — Victorian Women’s Trust says, “About Bloody Time”
The Federal Government’s budget provisions for women’s health include a commitment of $49.1 million dollars to start to address the historical discrimination experienced by women living with endometriosis, a painful medical condition where tissue comparable to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the womb.
This investment will support women with complex gynaecological conditions like endometriosis and pelvic pain to access medical support through longer Medicare-funded consultations.
This commitment is a welcome outcome driven largely by a campaign created by News.com.au and led by journalist Rebekah Scanlon. The “About Bloody Time” campaign began on March 1, in recognition of approximately one million women in Australia suffering with endometriosis and struggling to find appropriate medical aid. Today, the average rate for diagnosis is around 7 years, leading some to speculate that there may be even more women living with the condition than previously thought.
“This is an important step forward for women across the country who have been suffering with endometriosis for far too long,” said Mary Crooks AO, Executive Director, Victorian Women’s Trust.
“For women with endometriosis experiencing extremely debilitating symptoms, the wait for accurate and appropriate medical support is often excruciating,” said Mary. “It can have a negative impact on all facets of their life — impacting their ability to work, personal relationships, ability to conceive, and on their mental health.”
Mary provided consultative support to the News.com.au team, as well as giving her blessing for the campaign to use the phrase “about bloody time”, inspired by Victorian Women’s Trust publication, About Bloody Time: the Menstrual Revolution We Have to Have (2019).
What this budget announcement means for people living with endometriosis:
As of July 1 2025, people with gynaecological conditions such as endometriosis will be able to access specialist consultations of 45 minutes or more. These sessions will be funded by Medicare.
From July next year, Medicare will cover $168.60 for the initial appointment, and $84.35 for any subsequent consultations (in contrast to the original rebate of $40.85).
In the past, an initial consultation with a gynaecologist was only afforded an $81.30 rebate by Medicare, which funded just 10 minutes with a specialist. Given the complex and highly individualised nature of endometriosis, such small rebates meant patients barely had a chance to go through all of their symptoms, further exacerbating the long wait for an official diagnosis and heightening patient distress.
“I applaud the journalists at News.com.au who led the About Bloody Time campaign,” said Mary. “Thanks to their targeted and effective campaigning, we’ve witnessed an enormous shift in the space of two months. Endometriosis is now being accorded the seriousness it warrants and women’s needs are being elevated. This is a win, in my book.”
Media enquiries:
Ally Oliver-Perham, Communications Manager, Victorian Women’s Trust
allyson@vwt.org.au