The NSW Government is boosting funding for the state’s 20 women’s health centres in its first budget, delivering on its election commitment to improve access to healthcare for women.
The Minister for Health Ryan Park and the Minister for Women Jodie Harrison today announced the 2023–2024 NSW Budget will allocate an additional $34.3 million for the Women’s Health Centre Program over the next 4 years.
The state’s 20 women’s health centres provide tailored healthcare, supporting vulnerable women with their physical and mental health, sexual and reproductive health, as well as preventative classes, events and support groups.
The Women’s Health Centre Program provides face-to-face support to more than 50,000 women across NSW each year – predominantly vulnerable and at-risk women.
These centres are vital in providing a safe place for women who might otherwise fall through the cracks and are critical in removing barriers to health care by providing women the care they need in their own communities.
The new investment will mean centres are able to:
- increase staff numbers
- put downward pressure on waitlists for counselling appointments
- offer healthcare and counselling services to more women
- adapt services to emerging demographic trends and population growth
- adapt services to address the complexity of presenting health issues.
Locations with centres that will benefit include Hunter, Bankstown, Blacktown, Cumberland, Fairfield, Liverpool and Penrith, as well as the Central Coast, Illawarra, Lismore, Shoalhaven and South Coast.
The Minns Labor government is committed to rebuilding the essential health services our communities deserve and rebuilding an engaged, capable and supported workforce.
The Minns Labor government is making careful and responsible decisions to address the holes left in the budget by the former government so we can fund the healthcare services women rely on.
Minister for Health Ryan Park said:
“As Minister for Health it is one of my priorities to improve access and remove barriers women face in accessing healthcare services.
“We’re providing a safe space for women to access female healthcare workers who can provide inclusive and culturally appropriate care.
“Women’s Health Centres offer a number of different services, which we know have a really positive impact on health outcomes for women.
“This investment will ensure more women have access to these key health services across NSW.”
Minister for Women, Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:
“The Women’s Health Centres are crucial to women’s health care, providing vital support to those escaping domestic and family violence, from lower socio-economic backgrounds and in regional and remote locations.
“They provide a welcoming environment which empower women by promoting their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
“The Minns Labor Government is delivering on our election commitment to the greater community, by supporting women’s health.”
Member for Summer Hill Jo Haylen said:
“This is an important commitment from the Minns Labor government that will see a welcome boost to women’s healthcare in the Inner West and across NSW.
“These centres are a crucial source of support and healthcare for so many women and I’m so pleased to be part of a government that cares and is ready to make worthy investments like this one.”