Feminist youth group the Rosie Collective has released its abortion policy scorecard ahead of the Victorian election on 28 November, with the Greens the only party to score “Will improve” in all five policy areas.

The Rosie Collective is part of harm prevention youth platform Rosie.org.au, supported by the Victorian Women’s Trust. Members scored One Nation, the Nationals, the Liberals, Labor and the Greens across five areas: lowering cost, increasing access, increasing regional access, reducing stigma and increasing public awareness. One Nation scored “Will worsen” in all five.

The scorecard highlights the barriers many women and girls face today. The Collective argues that while abortion has been legal in Victoria since 2008, decriminalisation does not equate to access.

“A lot of people, especially young people, assume that our legal right to an abortion has been settled in Victoria,” said Ava Wansbrough, Youth Engagement and Volunteer Coordinator at the Victorian Women’s Trust. “When the Collective started researching this issue, we were shocked to learn just how hard it can be to get abortion care, especially if you live in a regional area.”

“The next barrier is cost. Many members of the Rosie Collective are university students, and some are international students. They all have firsthand experience of surviving on a low income,” Ms Wansbrough said.

“Even with abortion being legal, cost can be distressingly prohibitive. Right now, people with a Medicare card might pay between $100 and $600 for a medical abortion, while surgical abortion starts at $900.

“For people without a Medicare card, including international students, people seeking asylum and people on bridging visas, the costs can be well over $1000. We had no idea the situation was so difficult.

“It’s a wild thought process: ‘Can’t afford to have an abortion? Why not have a child instead?'”

Labor and the Coalition have both pledged to remove out-of-pocket costs for abortion care up to 16 weeks’ gestation if elected. However, no party has said whether free abortion would cover people without a Medicare card.

“Free has to mean free for everyone living in Victoria,” Ms Wansbrough said. “In the ACT, you don’t need a Medicare card to access free abortion care. Victoria should do the same.”

Dr Kirsten Abernethy, social researcher and Executive Director of the Victorian Women’s Trust, said the Collective reviewed academic research and reports from women’s health organisations, interviewed reproductive health experts, and assessed each party’s policies, voting records, media releases and public statements. Reproductive health experts then reviewed the scorecard, which reflects party positions as at 11 November 2026.

“It’s been a privilege to support the Rosie Collective in shaping this policy scorecard,” Dr Abernethy said. “They have diligently examined the party line on this issue. Where parties have opted out on an official stance, the scorecard reflects that too.”

“While there have been gains, such as Labor’s and the Coalition’s pledges on out-of-pocket costs, there’s been a lot of stagnation and complacency over the years, ultimately harming women, girls and gender diverse people in need,” Dr Abernethy said. “Funding for sexual and reproductive health hubs and women’s health clinics is due to lapse in June 2027. Voters should be asking every party how it will keep those services running.”

“On top of that, One Nation’s Victorian leader Warren Pickering said this week that taxpayers should not be paying for abortions, and that he would block free abortion care in the upper house.”

“Our aim with this policy scorecard is to support voters to make up their own minds,” Ms Wansbrough said. “If you care about abortion access and want to see a future where abortion healthcare is inclusive and accessible to anyone in need, vote for the party that best aligns with your values.”

For the scorecard, its background research and methodology, and a downloadable copy, visit: www.rosie.org.au/2026-abortion-scorecard.

Media contact

Ally Oliver-Perham, Head of Programs and Partnerships, Victorian Women’s Trust
allyson@vwt.org.au 0401177191

Background

About Rosie

Rosie is a national harm prevention initiative by the Dugdale Trust for Women & Girls, of which the Victorian Women’s Trust is sole Trustee. It uplifts young women, girls and gender diverse people by providing practical advocacy experience. Through a dual online and in-person approach, Rosie acts as a third space where young people can engage with the world’s growing complexity, while gaining the skills to actively create a better world.

The Rosie Collective is a group of young feminists ranging from high school students to PhD students. The Collective works alongside the Victorian Women’s Trust team to create practical advocacy initiatives that focus on pressing issues facing young people in Victoria, and across Australia.

Rosie’s Abortion Policy Scorecard

In 2026, the Rosie Collective identified abortion access as a significant issue for young people. Through a collaborative research process, the Collective created a community education campaign to support young people to be informed voters and better understand which of the major parties are committed to ensuring safe and accessible abortion care in Victoria.

Learn more: www.rosie.org.au/2026-abortion-scorecard

Spokespeople

Dr Kirsten Abernethy
Executive Director, Victorian Women’s Trust
kirsten@vwt.org.au

Dr Kirsten Abernethy is a social scientist, researcher and educator with over 20 years’ experience working with coastal and seafaring communities across Australia, the UK and the Pacific. Her work is grounded in feminist values, and her research and advocacy have centred on workers’ rights, looking deeply at the experiences of women, who are often underrepresented. She has led major research and sector-wide programs focused on women’s leadership, workplace inclusion and systemic reform. In 2017, she won the VIC AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award. In 2025, she was appointed Executive Director of the Victorian Women’s Trust.

Ava Wansbrough
Youth Engagement and Volunteer Coordinator, Victorian Women’s Trust
ava@vwt.org.au

Ava Wansbrough uplifts the voices of young feminists. With a background in Gender Studies, Ava joined the Victorian Women’s Trust as a volunteer herself and is passionate about creating meaningful experiences for volunteers and interns. Ava curates Rosie’s online presence and facilitates the Rosie Collective, supporting young women and gender diverse people to advocate for their rights.

Authorised by K. Abernethy, Victorian Women’s Trust, 137a Queens Parade, Clifton Hill, Victoria, 3068.