I am proud to be part of a state government that is working hard to create a safe and equal society – one that supports and empowers girls and women in our community.
As the first Victorian parliament to achieve gender parity, we are delivering policies and initiatives that reflect the diverse needs and interests of our community.
With women making up over 50 percent of our cabinet, their leadership are shaping the changes we are driving, ensuring that women’s voices are at the forefront of decision-making.
Our landmark, Australian-first Women’s Health Survey created a platform for women to share their experiences and raise awareness for change in our healthcare system. The feedback collected from this survey highlighted the need to prioritise women’s health and access to healthcare. And that is exactly what we are working hard to achieve for women and girls in Victoria.
Just last month, we announced the establishment of a new Virtual Women’s Health Care Clinic. This clinic will allow women and girls across the state to access free healthcare from specialised nurses, regardless of location. Set to launch in the coming months, the Virtual Clinic will improve healthcare access in regional and rural areas and expand services for endometriosis and pelvic pain care, cervical screening, menopause, breast health, menstrual health, and abortion.
We have also introduced nation-leading public IVF services, free pads and tampons in schools and public places, dedicated women’s health clinics, sexual and reproductive health hubs, and Victoria’s first clinic for women’s heart health.
I am immensely proud to be part of a government that is championing women and paving the way for a brighter and more equal society for everyone.
This International Women’s Day, I want to celebrate the many women who make our Bellarine community a better place. We are fortunate to have individuals and community groups dedicated to empowering women, including Women in Local Democracy (WILD), Bellarine Women’s Workshop, Bellarine Women’s Network, View Clubs, and the Barwon Heads Country Women’s Association.
I meet incredible women every day who give back to their community and volunteer to make our region the best it can be. I meet passionate businesswomen who have taken the leap to start their own ventures and create success from the ground up.
Each year, I see more women and girls stepping into leadership roles whether in community organisations, emergency services, schools, or the workplace and I know this momentum will continue to grow.
I am proud of the steps we are all taking across the Bellarine to create a safer, healthier, and more equal future for everyone.
Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant
