- The Miles Labor Government has released the Women and Girls' Health Strategy 2032.
- The Strategy is backed by over $1 billion in investment over the next five years.
- Almost 12,000 Queenslanders shared their experiences and suggestions on how to improve the health of women and girls.
- The Strategy responds to key issues raised by respondents such as more mental health support for women and girls, with almost $27 million to be invested in boosting social workers to deliver more mental health services.
The Miles Labor Government has released the $1 billion Queensland Women and Girls' Health Strategy 2032 to improve women's experience of the healthcare system.
In development since November 2022, the Strategy has been shaped by an extensive engagement process.
With almost 12,000 contributions, it was the largest response to any government survey in Queensland's history and has informed how this record investment is being delivered.
The consultation process shed a light on the health issues that are important to Queensland women and girls, including mental health and wellbeing, chronic health conditions such as endometriosis and pelvic pain, maternity care for mums and bubs, and sexual and reproductive health.
As part of the Strategy, the Miles Government will deliver $250 million in new funding to deliver 34 new initiatives to address existing health inequities and provide enhanced gender and trauma informed care.
Seventy percent of survey respondents cited mental health and wellbeing in their top 3 health issues. To help address those concerns, $26.95 million will be invested in providing additional social workers to provide mental health support and counselling.
This is in addition to $18 million announced last week to expand virtual and telephone mental health and wellbeing health services for women, as well as improve 13 HEALTH to better meet women's health needs.
The $1 billion Strategy also provides key investments for women and girls in regional, rural, and remote areas, including $10.2 million for a free, walk-in women's health hub in the Far North.
This will be complemented by $46 million to establish four new walk-in clinics to be established across Queensland that will provide free, easy, nurse-led care closer to home.
Responses also highlight that women and girls often feel dismissed or misdiagnosed by the health system – something the Strategy will directly seek to address.
The Strategy has also been informed by the work of the Australian Women and Girls' Health Research Centre at the University of Queensland.
Australian women experience different health outcomes than Australian men and face significant barriers to achieving their full health potential. Some of these barriers include challenges with accessing services, with time and cost being significant factors.
The Queensland Women and Girls' Health Strategy 2032 underscores the importance of accessible and timely healthcare interventions and aims to empower women to overcome significant obstacles hindering their health potential.
Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:
"Queensland has over 2.6 million women and girls. This historic strategy is for them.
"It is $1 billion in initiatives set to provide better, tailored healthcare for women and girls right around the state.
"I want to thank the 12,000 women and girls who shared their stories – the largest number of people to ever have completed a Queensland Government survey in history.
"You have helped us deliver targeted healthcare supports for women and girls that will drive real change in our communities.
"Access to safe, quality care is not a nice to have – it's a right – and we're making sure of it.
"We have a strong track record on standing up for women, including the decriminalisation of abortion, extensive women's safety reforms, the introduction of coercive control and making kindy free to help women return to work.
"I'm proud to lead a government that champions women, their experiences and the solutions that will break down barriers now, and into the future."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women, Shannon Fentiman:
"This is an historic day for the women and girls' of Queensland."
"Through the $1 billion Women and Girls' Health Strategy, we will deliver 34 new initiatives tailored to the health needs of women and girls.
"Women and girls of Queensland have bravely shared thousands of stories of being dismissed and misdiagnosed in our health system, leading to years of persistent pain and worse health outcomes.
"We know that one of the issues that came up repeatedly was access to mental health services, and I'm so proud that we are investing tens of millions of dollars into new and improved initiatives to deal with this issue.
"This includes almost $27 million to boost social workers providing mental health care, including for women experiencing domestic and family violence.
"We know there are several barriers which hinder women from accessing essential health services. This is particularly true for women and girls in rural and remote areas, First Nations women and girls, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse women and girls, women and girls with experiences in custody, the LGBTIQ+ community, and those living with disability.
"It's time we tackle these barriers head on, and that's what this Strategy will do.
"Because every single woman and girl – regardless of her location or background – is entitled to live a happy, healthy life that allows her to fully participate in social, economic, and cultural activities.
