Assistant Minister for Women, Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health
The Albanese Government is taking the next step in improving women's health with the National Women's Health Advisory Council (the Council) transitioning into new Ministerial Expert Panels that will advise on priority areas of women's health.
Since its establishment, the Council has played a central role in identifying key issues in women's health and shaping the approximately $800 million landmark women's health package which has delivered more choice, lower costs and better health care for Australian women at every stage of life.
The Council will be consulted annually about progress on implementation of the Women's Health package in recognition of the expertise provided by members.
The new Ministerial Expert Panels will build on that success by focusing on targeted conditions that disproportionately affect women or where women face inequities in health outcomes.
Chaired by Assistant Minister White, expert panels including clinicians, researchers, advocates and women with lived experience, will be brought together to guide future policy making.
Membership will include representation from priority populations to ensure a diverse range of experiences and perspectives are reflected.
These panels will explore the disproportionate impact certain conditions have on women which too often have led to delayed diagnosis and at times suboptimal treatment.
The first Expert Panel will look at cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death and illness in Australian women, with further Expert Panels to commence over the course of the term of government.
The Albanese Government will continue to heed expert advice by improving health outcomes for women and girls in Australia.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister White
"The National Women's Health Advisory Council has made a significant contribution to advancing women's health policy and helping to identify the barriers women continue to face.
"I want to thank all Council members for their time, expertise and dedication and to acknowledge the leadership of the previous Assistant Minister for Health, Ged Kearney, for establishing and guiding this work.
"This is the natural next step in our commitment to improving women's health, this new approach will ensure expert advice continues to drive real and lasting change for women and girls across Australia.
"There are conditions that disproportionality impact women, these panels will be instrumental in examining what the Albanese government can do to improve the quality lives of Australian women and importantly their health outcomes, beginning with cardiovascular disease."
