Women s services are tipped to be a winner in the federal budget with $354 million packages being spread across the issues of cervical and breast cancer, endometriosis and reproductive health. Among the funding announced by federal health minister Greg Hunt and MP Dr Katie Allen on Sunday was a $100 million investment in improving cervical and breast cancer screening programs. Shadow Minister for Education and Shadow Minister for Women, Tanya Plibersek. Picture: NCA NewsWire / James Gourley There will also be a $96 million injection for new tests under the Medicare Benefits Scheme (MBS) for pre-implantation genetic testing of embryos for specific genetic or chromosomal abnormalities prior to pregnancy.
The Hon Greg Hunt MP Minister for Health and Aged Care
The Morrison Government is investing $353.9 million over the next four years as part of the 2021-22 Budget to support women’s health, including funding for cervical and breast cancer, endometriosis and reproductive health.
This significant investment builds on our Government’s commitment to implementing the five priority areas of the National Women’s Health Strategy 2020-2030 and improving long term health outcomes for women and girls.
Key investment measures include:
$100.4 million for improvements to cervical and breast cancer screening programs which will help detect these life-threatening cancers earlier, improving survival rates.
Key investments
Cervical and breast cancer screening - $100.4 million in extra funds to help detect cancers earlier;
Genetic testing of embryos - $95.9 million for testing of embryos for specific genetic or chromosomal abnormalities prior to implantation and pregnancy;
Perinatal women s mental health - $47.4 million for mental health and wellbeing of new and expectant mothers, working to deliver universal perinatal mental health screening;
Eating disorders - $26.9 million to provide more supports for people with eating disorders.
Included in this is $13.7 million for the Australian Preterm Birth Prevention Alliance (APBPA). In terms of mental health and eating disorders, both for mums and for particularly young women but also for women of all ages, there s a $71 million package.
Working parents, average income earners and Aussies with relatives in aged care are set to be big winners from Tuesday s federal budget.
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg will deliver his second budget speech in six months at 7.30pm on Tuesday as he aims to rebuild the economy after the coronavirus pandemic.
Mr Frydenberg has already promised more big spending next financial year, with Deloitte predicting a budget deficit of $87 billion, a figure well below this year s estimated $167 billion shortfall. We won t be undertaking any sharp pivots towards austerity. We want more people in jobs and in better paying jobs. This is what our fiscal strategy is designed to achieve, he said in a speech last week.