MEDIA RELEASE: True welcomes Queensland Government $1b investment in Women and Girls’ Health Strategy
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True Relationships & Reproductive Health today recognises and applauds the Queensland Government’s newly released Women and Girls’ Health Strategy and welcomes the $1 billion investment in crucial sexual health and relationship support services over the next 5 years.
True’s Director of Nursing and Health Services, Lisa Harrison, says “This strategy is an unprecedented investment in the health of Queensland’s women and girls. We applaud the Queensland Government and Minister Shannon Fentiman for their commitment to women and girls’ health, advancing their rights, and achieving gender equality in Queensland.”
“We are particularly excited about the investment in fee free sexual and reproductive health clinics in shopping centers across Queensland, and the health and wellbeing hotline, which will serve to provide easy access for all women and girls to support chronic conditions such as endometriosis and pelvic pain, maternity care, and sexual and reproductive health.”
Dr Karen Struthers, True’s CEO congratulates the Miles Government on this Strategy, saying True clinicians are not surprised that 12,000 women and girls told the Health Minister that they want consistent access to termination of pregnancy across Queensland. The strategy acknowledges that this was one of the strongest messages during consultation.
“We support women and girls everyday with advice on contraception, pregnancy options and medical termination,” Dr Struthers says. “In the 6 months to December 2023, True supported 450+ women with medical terminations, and travelled more than 30,000kms to deliver sexual and reproductive health to rural and regional Qld.”
“We support women and girls across the lifespan with pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, endometriosis and more. It’s so encouraging to see a comprehensive long-term strategy that will support women of all ages.”
“We are honoured to have worked closely in consultation with the Queensland Government over the last 18 months to support the development of this new strategy, and share the voices of more than 12,000 women and girls,” says Dr Struthers.
“Our commitment is to represent all Queensland women to ensure their health issues are heard, believed, and supported. It is a commitment we have continually honoured for over 50 years as Qld’s leading sexual and reproductive health organisation.
“Far too many women have suffered in silence. This plan shows that not only can we talk openly about this “women’s business” – it’s getting action from the highest levels of government.”
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Media Contact: Alisa Cork 0428 381 995 alisa.cork@true.org.au
Key points –
- The Queensland Government is committed to advancing the rights and interests of women and girls, increasing their economic participation, and working to achieve gender equality in Qld.
- The new Strategy will aim to address health inequity and improve accessibility to healthcare for women and girls living in Queensland.
- True celebrates our amazing Queensland women and girls, and the reform that will benefit their health and wellbeing.
- We know that Australian women experience different health outcomes than Australian men and are not achieving their full health potential. Women also make up a higher proportion of preventable hospital admissions.
- There are a wide range of factors that influence these health outcomes, and there are opportunities for change that can address the barriers and challenges that affect the health of women and girls across their life span.
- The development of the new Strategy is being led by the Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women and is a signature action of the Queensland Women’s Strategy.
- Every death from domestic and family violence is unacceptable and a tragedy, and we won't stop until we can keep Queensland women and children safe.
