NSW Labor will double funding for Women’s Health Centres across the state if it is elected, promising $100 million over five years.
There are 20 Women’s Health Centres in NSW and they provide essential community-based healthcare and domestic violence support to women and children. Eighty per cent of women who utilise the health centres have experienced domestic violence, while 70 per cent are low-income earners.
The centres have been operational for more than 40 years, and urgently require more investment to keep up with community need and remain sustainable into the future. The centres in NSW are primarily located in Western Sydney and regional areas.
Women’s Health NSW CEO Denele Crozier said the funding commitment would “save lives”.
“Women’s Health Centres have been providing vital services as part of NSW Healthcare system for more than 40 years – we have the expertise, the community relationships, we understand the current needs,” Crozier said.
“An investment in community women’s health centres will see an immediate increase in essential health services for women and girls right across NSW.”
NSW Labor leader Chris Minns said funding to Women’s Health Centres has not kept up with demand, placing more pressure on the hospital system.
“This funding will make sure women have access to key health services and relieve pressure on NSW hospitals,” Minns said.
Shadow Minister for Health Ryan Park said inadequate funding to the centres means they have had to make tough decisions to keep afloat.
“Women’s Health Centres are being forced to make skilled mental health, clinical and health education staff redundant and reduce services, in order to cover costs,” he said.
The $100 million in funding over five years would help the health centres to reduce the number of women being turned away, and keep up with the demand in the community for women-centred healthcare services.
Also today, the NSW government has committed to boost the number of electronic ankle bracelets in the state to better track domestic violence offenders. There are currently 45 bracelets in NSW, with Premier Dominic Perrottet promising an extra 200 devices.