2024-09-18
Today Senator Waters tabled the landmark consensus multipartisan report from the Greens-initiated issues related to menopause and perimenopause Senate inquiry.
The report calls for more workplace flexibility; consideration of gender-inclusive reproductive leave; affordable and accessible treatments; improved education for medical professionals, workplaces, and the community; more research into the economic impacts on women; and development of a National Menopause Plan.
The ball is now in the Government’s court to respond to the report within three months, and the Greens urge the Government to implement the consensus recommendations in full.
Lines attributable to Greens leader in the Senate and spokesperson on Women, Larissa Waters
“I initiated this inquiry almost a year ago because even though more than half of the population experience menopause and perimenopause, there is little federal policy to address its impacts on women’s health, work and quality of life.
“It sends a powerful message that after a year-long inquiry, all the political parties involved in the inquiry have agreed on the recommendations.
“While some women experience this natural phase of life with little to no symptoms, others experience debilitating symptoms, and we need policies that work for all women and people who experience menopause.
“The Committee heard horror stories from women trying to obtain a diagnosis and affordable treatment, as well as women feeling they had to resign or work to lower hours or duties because of terrible symptoms and unsympathetic workplaces.
“What the inquiry made clear is that menopause and perimenopause isn’t well understood, by the community or in the workplace or even by some doctors. Women shared that they were disbelieved, wrongly diagnosed, or dismissed when they sought treatment - many felt gaslit.
“The Committee heard that some medical degrees had only one hour of education on menopause, so I am pleased to see a recommendation for more undergraduate and postgraduate medical education on perimenopause and menopause.
“The recommendation for a national awareness campaign is important, as it will help people get the information and support they need to navigate this transition.
“The Committee has also recommended that the cost and shortages of MHT be addressed, so that the safest and most effective treatments are available and accessible to all, not just the wealthy.
“Women shouldn’t have to fork out hundreds of dollars each month to get the treatment they need, or be forced onto inappropriate treatments like valium, simply because it’s cheaper than MHT.
“I am pleased the committee recommended a right to request flexibility, developing workplace policies, and looking into reproductive health leave so that women can be better supported at work. I acknowledge that the Coalition’s additional comments downplay the need for leave but am pleased they signed on to the report nonetheless
‘While some women may simply want workplace flexibility, the Greens believe that those who need leave to manage perimenopause and menopause symptoms should be able to access it. Queensland public servants already have this, and unions are campaigning for paid reproductive health leave which the Greens strongly support.
“The ball is now in the Government’s court to respond to the report within three months, and the Greens urge the Government to implement the consensus recommendations in full.”