March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, so it is appropriate that in the chamber today we stop to recognise this debilitating, and often hidden, chronic condition. Endometriosis affects one in nine women, hospitalising many thousands each year and taking young women out of the classroom, out of the workforce and out of their lives. I thank the member for Bendigo for this motion, which highlights just how devastating it is to be inflicted with this progressive, chronic condition that can start at puberty and continue beyond menopause.
The Albanese government acknowledges the pain and hardship that endometriosis can cause, the historical challenges associated with delays in diagnosis, and the past ignorance and judgement that many women have experienced. It's time to do better. Women should not have to endure the excruciating pain, loss and guilt that come with inaction. The Albanese government hears you and we are acting, with the introduction of the National Action Plan for Endometriosis.
This plan acts on the words of young women, like Charlotte Mullens, who lives in my region. Women want better and simpler diagnosis and treatment as well as support and greater awareness about the condition. Charlotte said to me in a letter:
What I want our new parliament to achieve is tangible progress to support change in endometriosis treatments … research into cutting-edge treatments recognising genetic markers and education programs to support young people to spot the signs of gynaecological diseases.
The plan responds to Charlotte's plea, with $9 million for greater awareness and education, $50 million for physical management and care, and $21 million for further research. This builds on reforms included in the 2022-23 budget with $58 million to improve endometriosis diagnosis and primary care support, helping more women to find appropriate care and better manage the impacts of endometriosis.
Importantly, the package also includes the establishment of specialised GP clinics across Australia, including one in my region. This clinic will address diagnosis delays, promoting early access to intervention, care and treatment options for endometriosis and pelvic pain. Other investments include access to a new Medicare funded magnetic resonance imaging scan, to assist the investigation of infertility for those with severe endometriosis and other conditions; a review of Medicare Benefits Schedule and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme items used to support the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis; the development of an endometriosis plan to support patients in primary care; support to the National Endometriosis Clinical and Scientific Trials Network to continue the important research and address research gaps; funding for an endo living guideline to support new and ongoing research into diagnosis and management; promotion of the Australian clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis and management of endometriosis; funding to the Australian Coalition for Endometriosis for increasing awareness amongst priority populations; implementing a mentors program to support those who are newly diagnosed; a workplace assistance program to support employees and employers navigate discussions in the workplace; and continued support for the EndoZone digital platform to provide consumer access to evidence based information.
In the words of Charlotte Mullens: you have the power to change the reality for people with endometriosis. We have heard you, Charlotte. We hear all the endometriosis warriors who have fought for greater recognition for treatment of this debilitating condition. It is because of you that the Albanese government is now making groundbreaking reform to better support women with endometriosis. May the reforms we make today ensure it is no longer a hidden disease.
