WA Labor investing in world class women’s health services

• $17.3 million boost to support better physical and mental health outcomes for women
• WA Labor funding will improve access and address gaps in care provision
• Commitment builds on the Cook Labor Government’s support for women’s health

Western Australian women will have better access to the care they need under a re-elected Cook Labor Government, with a commitment of more than $17 million to support vital women’s health services.

WA Labor will set aside $14 million to uplift funding for Women’s Health Centres (WHCs), allowing them to ramp up their important work supporting around 30,000 women across the State.

WHCs currently provide maternal, reproductive and mental health services and support for victimsurvivors of gender-based violence.

The Cook Labor Government will also invest $2.5 million to establish a dedicated Women’s Reproductive Health Day Procedure Centre at Cockburn Health, providing affordable, accessible, and timely surgical and medical abortion care and other reproductive health services.

The Centre will reduce wait times, remove financial barriers for vulnerable women and provide holistic, high-quality care, including free pre and post procedure counselling.

Cockburn Health was recently brought into public hands, providing a specialist, public women’s mental health service, including the state’s first dedicated inpatient eating disorder beds and AOD supports.

In addition, $850,000 has been set aside for the Australian Breastfeeding Association WA Branch to support new mums through breastfeeding education classes, training for student health professionals and local parent groups in metropolitan and regional areas.

Today’s announcement builds on WA Labor’s record $14.3 billion additional investment in health and mental health services since 2021, and the passing of historic legislation to decriminalise and modernise abortion care.

The Cook Labor Government is also getting on with the job of building a state-of-the-art new Women and Babies Hospital in Murdoch and significantly expanding maternity services at Osborne Park Hospital, future proofing WA’s neonatal and gynaecological services.

Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:

“From essential reproductive services, to mental health care and support for new mums, today’s announcement will empower WA women to access the best possible care."

“WA Labor’s investment of more than $17 million will break down barriers and address gaps in current services, supporting better health outcomes for women across the State."

“Only a WA Labor Government will do what’s right for women, by investing in crucial healthcare.”