Media Alert
Embargoed until Monday 11th October 2010
Womens Health Policy Forum seeks commitments from
political parties
Media Opportunity
What: Press Conference with WHAV Convenor Dr Robyn Gregory; Parliamentary Secretary for
Health Janice Munt; Shadow Minister for Health David Davis; and Spokesperson for Health,
Community and Local Government Colleen Hartland.
Where: Queen Victoria Womens Centre, The Victoria room, Level 4
210 Lonsdale St, Melbourne
When: 1pm Monday 11th October
The Womens Health Association of Victoria (WHAV) will hear from the major Victorian
political parties on their plans to address crucial womens health concerns at their policy
forum today.
WHAV Convenor, Dr Robyn Gregory said it was an opportunity to see what the
Liberal/National Coalition, Labor and the Greens had planned to respond to the call to
promote womens health and wellbeing ahead of the Victorian election on November 27th.
There are a number of concerns within the sector about areas of womens health that need
improvement. We will be seeking commitments around the following areas:
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Sexual and reproductive health
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Access to termination of pregnancy
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Work to prevent violence against women
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Changes to funding arrangements for womens health services, and
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How the parties plan to tackle the gender pay gap that so disadvantages women.
Victoria needs transparent, measurable outcomes for womens health, safety and wellbeing,
this forum provides the opportunity for each party to present their platform and respond to
these concerns in turn said Dr Gregory.
A lot of progress has been made in Victoria in terms of recognising womens health as
vitally important. It is crucial that services are diverse and also specific to womens needs in
order to achieve optimum health.
Government has a large role to play in ensuring that the health requirements of our
communities are adequately met.
While a great deal of work has been done, it is important for Victorians to know exactly
where each party stands in terms of delivering womens health when it comes time to vote,
said Dr Gregory.
For further information contact:
WHAV Convenor Dr Robyn Gregory on 0438 527 523 or Media: Anaya Latter on 0432 121 636