The Albanese Government's national network of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) Centres of Excellence are now open, giving women more options to access free contraceptive advice and care.
The Government's investment is supporting services through eight Primary Health Networks across all states and territories.
Women will be able to access free advice and support about their contraceptive options, as well as the insertion and removal of IUDs and contraceptive implants, delivered by skilled providers.
Long-acting reversible contraceptives are among the most effective forms of contraception, with effectiveness rates of more than 99 per cent. In addition to preventing unintended pregnancy, some can also help manage heavy menstrual bleeding, period pain and conditions such as endometriosis.
The centres will also provide outreach services and practical training for health professionals in regional and remote communities, helping more women access care closer to home.
The network is part of the Albanese Government's landmark $792.9 million Women's Health Package, delivering cheaper medicines, more choice and better access to healthcare.
It builds on changes introduced on 1 November 2025 to increase Medicare rebates for IUDs and contraceptive implant services and expanding access through nurse practitioners.
Over the past year, bulk billing rates for these services have increased with more than 200,000 services delivered, 17,000 more than in the same period the previous year. More than 2,000 of these were delivered by a nurse practitioner.
Nearly 9 in 10 women receiving these services from a nurse practitioner are now bulk billed, alongside roughly 6 in 10 seeing a GP.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister White:
"We want every Australian woman to know their health is a priority of the Albanese Government and we want women to be able to choose the contraception that works best for them, not simply the option that is easiest to access or the one they can afford.
"Long-acting contraceptives are safe, highly effective and can be life changing for some women, but we know they haven't always been easy to access.
"With all eight centres now open, more women will be able to access the information, support and care they need to make the choice that is right for them.
"One year on from our Medicare changes, more women are having these services bulk billed. We're continuing to make contraception more affordable and give women more choice about their health."
