Mrs McINTOSH (Lindsay) (09:11): As we acknowledge Women's Health Week, we do more than raise awareness; we honour a legacy of resilience, advocacy and hard work over generations that have shaped the health and wellbeing of women like Vivian Bullwinkel, a war hero and a leading advocate for nursing. She was rejected by the Royal Australian Air Force but was able to enlist in the Australian Army Nursing Service. Vivian was the sole survivor of the 1942 Banka Island massacre. She continued to serve her country as a nurse until retiring from the army in 1947 to become director of nursing at Melbourne's infectious diseases hospital. This is where she continued her incredible work, particularly with orphans from the Vietnam War in the 1970s. She passed away in 2000. Vivian is just one of many incredible Australian women’s health practitioner stories, from our first female doctors to women leading the way in medical technology. I would also like to acknowledge the work of the former member for Forrest, Nola Marino, and the work she did on endometriosis. Over the last few decades, women have come so far in advocacy for our health care. A large part of these changes is due to so many more female doctors, midwives, nurses and practitioners, women in parliament pushing the way, and academics and advocates who share their lived experience. We see that here in parliament every single week. We see people come into this place to advocate for the important work they do in the health space, work that benefits women's health, no matter the issue, whether it be maternal health, mental health or geriatric health. Girls are now given the confidence to talk about periods at school or in community sports and be heard when talking about what they face. The pain women go through during menopause is shared in public spaces and widely discussed to ensure that women do not go through these changing times alone. We now even discuss it here in parliament. And, Mr Speaker, in addition to water, it would be helpful to have some fans placed in the chamber. There are so many women in this place going through menopause. I'm proud that on all sides of parliament we can speak more openly about these challenges. Let's not forget that it wasn't too long ago when men were seen to be in charge of women's health decisions. Women's Health Week is an important opportunity to recognise the significant challenges that continue to impact women's health outcomes in Australia and the work still needs to be done to address them. It is a time to shine a light on the unique health challenges that women face across all stages of life. This year's theme is 'Say yes to you'. This year, we are encouraging women to speak up, to check in and to prioritise their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. I want to take this opportunity to encourage women of all ages to prioritise themselves and their health. This is not an easy thing to do in a busy life, particularly for mums. Mums tend to feel a bit of guilt. But you're not selfish, you're not letting anyone down, you matter. Looking after yourself first is a priority. Make that doctor's appointment, have that blood test, get that mammogram or cervical screening check—and they are getting a little more comfortable—and do anything to do with your health that you've been putting off. It could, quite literally, save your life. Unfortunately, women can still experience disparities in access to care, diagnosis and treatment. Acknowledging these challenges is a first step towards creating a more equitable health system. I'd like to acknowledge the important progress that has been made so far, including the bipartisan commitment made during the last election to invest an additional $573.3 million into vitally important women's health initiatives for Australian women. The coalition would like the Albanese Labor government to keep progressing these bipartisan commitments as quickly as possible, including measures to enhance menopause care for women through a new Medicare rebate, expand health-professional training, develop national clinical guidelines, and increase funding for endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics. This package builds on the important work started under the former coalition government, including launching the National Women's Health Strategy and announcing a historic investment into Australia's first endometriosis and pelvic pain clinic. These initiatives must be delivered without delay. For women experiencing menopause or living with conditions like endo, access to affordable GPs and specialist care is critical. Here is where I'm going to give a bit of helpful critique to the government. Right now, too many women are still missing out. We do remain deeply concerned that, under the Albanese Labor government, it is difficult and expensive for women to access critical primary care. GP bulk-billing rates have collapsed by 11 per cent over the last three years; patients are now paying the highest out-of-pocket costs on record to see a GP—a combined $2 billion in the past year alone, which forced more than 1½ million Australians to avoid accessing primary care in 2023 to 2024. Timely and affordable access to health care is essential, particularly for women managing menopause and debilitating conditions like endometriosis. The Australian government must do more to ensure women can access the health advice and check-ups they need without cost being a barrier. Women must be front and centre in any conversation about primary health care in Australia, enabling and empowering women to be part of this conversation, and to be empowered and supported in their health journey is vital. The coalition also urges the Albanese government to urgently deliver on its broken promise to protect Australians from genetic discrimination in life insurance. This government committed to addressing this issue in the last term of parliament but, in a devastating backdown, have failed to even release the draft legislation. It is a broken promise, and it has denied hope to Australians at risk of hereditary conditions and discourages many from seeking genetic testing that could lead to life-saving information and treatment. The government gave Australian women and families hope, but now they've walked away. It's time you do the right thing and introduce this legislation immediately. This week is an opportunity to reaffirm a strong commitment to ensuring that women and girls right across this great country can access timely and affordable health care. This must be care which responds to and understands their unique experiences, needs and challenges, whether it's supporting women with chronic health conditions such as endo, helping women manage menopause, assisting families on their fertility journey or reducing barriers to testing and support. The coalition is focused on getting the policy settings right. In closing, I would like to give a local shout-out to Pink Up Penrith, which supports the McGrath Foundation. The extraordinary work that locals across my community have done has ensured that we now have a number of breast-care nurses in Nepean Hospital, and it is wonderful that communities come together as well to support women's health and to raise awareness. It is tremendous work. Thank you to Gai Hawthorn and the whole Pink Up committee for the work you do locally.