Assistant Minister for Women, Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health
Thousands of Tasmanian women are already saving hundreds of dollars and gaining better access to essential care, thanks to the Albanese Government's Women's Health Package.
New figures released during Women's Health Week show the impact of recent changes to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
Between March and July this year, more than 9,000 women in Tasmania filled over 17,000 prescriptions for oral contraceptives, menopausal hormone therapies, and endometriosis treatments newly listed on the PBS-resulting in more than $646,000 in savings.
Previously, Tasmanian women faced limited options and high out-of-pocket costs for essential medicines. Before the PBS listings of Yaz®, Yasmin®, and Slinda®, contraception could cost around $380 per year.
Now, women are paying less than half that-just $126.40 annually, or as little as $30.80 with a concession card.
Similarly, for menopausal hormone therapies like Estrogel®, Prometrium®, and Estrogel Pro®, costs have dropped from up to $670 a year to just $31.60 per script, or $7.70 for concessional patients.
The Albanese Government is continuing to strengthen Medicare for women. From 1 November 2025, further changes to the Medicare Benefits Schedule will come into effect, improving access to affordable IUDs and birth control implants.
This Women's Health Week is about encouraging women to make their health and wellbeing a priority in line with the theme of the week, 'Say yes to you'.
The Albanese Government are further commissioning eleven new Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics across the country by the end of this year. All Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain clinics will also expand to provide specialist support for menopause and perimenopause.
Tasmanian women are seeing real improvements, more choice, lower costs, and better care.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister White:
"Women shouldn't have to jump through hoops to get the care they need. Whether it's managing contraception, navigating menopause or simply talking openly with a doctor, these changes are about making women's health easier, more affordable and less stressful.
"Tasmanian women are already seeing the benefits -cheaper medicines, better access to care, and more control over their health. This is exactly what the Women's Health Package is all about.
"For too long, women's health was treated as an afterthought. Essential treatments were left off the PBS, and women paid the price. We've listened, we've acted, and we'll keep working to make sure women in Tasmania have access to the care they need."
Quotes attributable to Dr Hannah Chapman
"Women's health has been underfunded and overlooked for decades, and this package is a promising start
"Hormone therapy can be life changing, and we know it's safe and effective. For the first time in more than 20 years, we have new menopause medicines listed on the PBS. This will save women hundreds of dollars a year and make safer, body-identical options more accessible to all, not just those who can afford it.
"The inclusion of the lower risk formulations on the PBS is an overdue but welcome development.
"When medicines are listed on the PBS, they don't just become cheaper - they become part of mainstream care. That reduces stigma and normalises treatment."
