QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator GALLAGHER (Australian Capital Territory—Minister for Finance, Minister for the Public Service, Minister for Women, Minister for Government Services and Manager of Government Business in the Senate) (14:27): I thank Senator Smith for that question, and I also say how pleased I am that she's chairing the Select Committee on Women's Health, because the work that she and others in this place did in the last term informed the women's health package that we delivered.

I have no doubt that there will be more heading our way with the select committee's work. For too long, women's health has been overlooked and treated as a side issue. Our government is putting it at the centre of our agenda because caring for women's health isn't optional; it's essential.

Since our landmark $800 million women's health package, I've heard from women right across the country who felt that that package has made such a difference to their lives. We've capped the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme at just $25. Also, for the first time in 30 years, we've listed new contraceptive pills on the PBS, and, for the first time in 20 years, we've listed the first new menopause treatments on the PBS.

Over one million Australian women have now accessed cheaper medicines for contraception, endometriosis and menopause as a result of that plan, and that means they've been paying less and have access to a greater range of treatments and contraception. Since March 2025, more than four million cheaper prescriptions have been filled, saving women across Australia over $150 million.

We know that the benefits of this are spread across contraception, menopause hormone therapies and endometriosis treatments. For too long, women were told that pain was normal, their symptoms were a part of life, and if they wanted treatment they'd have to pay for it. Women asked our government to take their health seriously, and we have listened.

Our women's health package is delivering more choice and saving women hundreds of dollars every year. The PRESIDENT: Senator Smith, first supplementary?