New national centres to improve access to contraceptive support for women
Media event date: 5 June 2026 Date published: 5 June 2026 Media type: Media release General public Women in Australia will have better access to safe, affordable, long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) such as IUDs and birth control implants through a new national network of centres. The Albanese Labor Government is investing $25.6 million to establish eight LARC Centres of Excellence, with one in every state and territory.
Women will be able to access free advice and support about their contraceptive options, as well as the insertion and removal of IUDS and birth control implants, delivered by skilled providers, at no cost to the patient. These centres will help to make high quality contraception care more affordable, easier to access, more consistent, and more equitable across Australia, supporting informed choice and reducing barriers to care regardless of where someone lives.
Outreach services will also bring clinical support and hands-on training to health professionals into regional and remote communities to increase access to LARC for women who choose it, regardless of where they live. The successful Primary Health Networks selected to commission a LARC Centre of Excellence in their state or territory are: ACT - Capital Health Network Ltd NT - Health Network Northern Territory Ltd NSW - The Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network (HNECC) Limited QLD - North Queensland Primary Healthcare Network Limited TAS - Primary Health Tasmania Limited SA - SA Rural Health Network Limited WA - WA Primary Health Alliance Limited VIC - Western Victoria Primary Health Network Limited.
The LARC Centres of Excellence are part of the Albanese Government’s landmark $792.9 million women's health package that is continuing to deliver on its promise of more choice, lower costs and better care for Australian women. Since announcing our women’s health package, more than 800,000 women have accessed more than 3 million cheaper scripts for new treatments that were listed on the PBS.
New PBS listings for contraceptives have supported more than 380,000 women to save $36 million. From 1 November 2025, changes to the Medicare Benefits Schedule made long-acting reversible contraceptives like IUDs and birth control implants more affordable. Since then, more than 55,000 long-acting contraceptive services have been bulk billed, where previously the out-of-pocket costs could have been as high as $400.
Primary Health Networks will appoint successful providers by 1 July 2026. Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister White: Access to affordable contraception is essential for women to make informed decisions about their health. By improving affordability, removing barriers and expanding options, we’re making it easier for women to choose what works best for them.
“For many women, accessing long-acting contraception hasn’t been easy and cost and access has been a been a barrier “The LARC Centres of Excellence will help more women get trusted advice, support and care closer to home, while also training more health professionals to deliver these services. “Long acting contraceptives can be an effective management and treatment option for women experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding, severe period pain, and endometriosis.
“The centres build on the Albanese Labor Government’s commitment to deliver better healthcare for women.” The Hon Rebecca White MP Women's health Is there anything wrong with this page? Help us improve health.gov.au If you would like a response please provide an email address. Your email address is covered by our privacy policy Email address What you were doing?
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