Endometriosis Australia welcomes new government support measures for affected endometriosis patients

Endometriosis Australia welcomes the joint announcement from the Australian and Victorian Governments to provide targeted support for patients impacted by recent concerns regarding endometriosis care.

We acknowledge the courage of those who have come forward to share their experiences, and recognise how important it is that they are now supported to access safe, appropriate and timely care.

The Australian and Victorian Governments are working together to deliver targeted support for patients affected, combining immediate care measures with longer-term system improvements.

At a national level, the Albanese Government’s $7.45 million package will fund Primary Health Networks to introduce dedicated Care Navigators, providing individualised care coordination and a central point of contact to help patients access follow-up care, specialist reviews and broader health services through GP networks. This is complemented by a focus on strengthening the general practice and gynaecology workforce to help ensure higher standards of care across the health system.

These measures are being supported by a $2 million investment from the Victorian Government to expand specialist endometriosis services across five health services, providing additional access to gynaecology care and multidisciplinary support for affected patients.

Together, these initiatives represent an important step toward a more coordinated approach to care to ensure patients can access the support they need, regardless of how they enter the system.

“We have heard from many people in the community who have been affected. These measures are an important step toward ensuring patients feel supported, informed and able to access the care they need,” said Endometriosis Australia chair Monica Forlano.

Endometriosis Australia also welcomes commitments to strengthen the general practice and gynaecology workforce, alongside efforts to improve clinical standards, education and training. These measures are critical to rebuilding trust and ensuring high-quality, evidence-based care across the health system.

These measures build on earlier actions introduced by the Victorian Government, including the establishment of a dedicated endometriosis support line, strengthened clinical oversight, and ongoing work to improve diagnosis and care through best practice guidance and additional training for healthcare professionals. Together, these steps reflect a broader commitment to improving patient safety, clinical standards and access to appropriate support.

Support services remain available for those who need them, including specialist care pathways and helplines for patients seeking information, guidance or immediate assistance.

Endometriosis Australia supports continued investment in research, workforce development and system-wide reform to improve outcomes for all people living with endometriosis.

The Women’s Health Victoria endometriosis concerns line can be contacted on 03 9664 9330.

For anyone requiring urgent medical care, you can contact the Virtual Emergency Department, Nurse-On-Call, visit one of Victoria’s Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, or in an emergency, dial 000.

If you are in immediate distress, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 for urgent support.