The Illawarra Women’s Health Centre says the Federal Government’s latest Women’s Budget Statement contains welcome reforms, but falls short of the scale of investment needed to properly respond to women’s health needs across regional communities like the Illawarra.
The Centre welcomed measures including the $182.6 million investment to stop domestic, family and sexual violence perpetrators weaponising the Child Support Scheme, expanded support for victim-survivors leaving violence, and continued investment in women’s health initiatives such as endometriosis clinics, pelvic pain services, long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) and menopause therapies.
The organisation also welcomed the additional funding for the frontline “500 Workers” initiative, which supports specialist domestic violence and women’s services, including funding received locally by the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre.
But the organisation says much of the statement repackages previously announced funding rather than delivering the long-term structural investment women’s services have been calling for.
The Illawarra Women’s Health Centre says this is particularly concerning at a time when demand for women’s health services continues to surge.
“Our region is seeing increasing levels of family violence, housing stress, mental health distress and unmet women’s health needs,” general manager Jess Davidson said.
“While we welcome the Federal Government maintaining women’s budget statements and recognising gender inequality as an economic issue, the reality on the ground is that women are still struggling to access timely, specialist and trauma-informed support.”
The Centre also raised concerns about the impact of ongoing NDIS reforms and funding pressures on women with disability, who already face significant barriers to healthcare, safety, housing and economic participation.
“Women living with disability are disproportionately impacted by violence, poverty and insecure housing. Any reduction in supports or increased barriers to accessing the NDIS risks worsening those inequalities,” she said.
While welcoming the ongoing investment in crisis and transitional accommodation, the Centre said governments must go further on social and affordable housing to support women’s long-term safety and economic security.
“Safe, affordable housing underpins women’s health, stability, independence and long-term economic security. We see women unable to access healthcare, remain connected to the community, maintain employment or support their children because they are living in housing stress or insecurity.
“Without significant investment in social and affordable housing, inequality deepens, and women continue to carry the burden of an increasingly unaffordable housing system,” she said.
The Centre says a major gap in the region remains the absence of a dedicated women’s health centre in the northern Illawarra, leaving many women without accessible specialist support close to home.
Women living in Helensburgh, Thirroul, Bulli and surrounding communities often face significant travel distances and barriers when seeking women-centred healthcare and support services, including domestic violence assistance, sexual and reproductive healthcare, counselling and early intervention programs.
With the NSW Budget approaching, the Centre is urging the State Government to commit funding for a dedicated Northern Illawarra women’s health centre to address growing demand and improve equity of access across the region.
“The Federal Government has recognised the importance of investing in women’s health and safety, but those reforms need to be matched by accessible local services on the ground,” the spokesperson said.
“The NSW Government now has an opportunity to make a meaningful investment in women across the Northern Illawarra by funding a dedicated women’s health centre that can respond to growing demand and provide specialist support close to home.”
The proposed Northern Illawarra service would expand access to medical care, counselling and support services, while improving early intervention for women at risk.
The site will also alleviate pressures on the Centre’s Warilla site, where women face long waiting lists.
“Women in the Northern Illawarra should not have to travel long distances or navigate fragmented systems to access specialist support,” the spokesperson said.
“Women’s health centres provide trusted, trauma-informed care that supports women’s health, safety and wellbeing at every stage of life. Investment in these services is an investment in prevention, early intervention and stronger communities.”
What’s in the Federal Budget for women
New announcements / additional funding in the 2026–27 Budget
- $182.6 million to reform the Child Support Scheme and address financial abuse and coercive control
- $218.3 million for the First Nations-led family violence strategy “Our Ways – Strong Ways – Our Voices”
- An additional $61.2 million for the frontline “500 Workers” domestic violence workforce initiative
- $41.8 million boost for 1800RESPECT
- Expansion of Paid Parental Leave to 26 weeks from July 2026
- Superannuation payments on Paid Parental Leave
- Carer Payment reforms allowing greater workforce participation flexibility
- New menopause therapies and a national menopause awareness campaign
- Expanded access to cheaper contraceptives and long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC)
Previously announced / ongoing funding and reforms
- More than $4.4 billion invested under the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children
- Continued funding for the Leaving Violence Program, including financial support for victim-survivors
- Previously announced $1.2 billion for crisis and transitional housing for women and children escaping violence
- Continued rollout of specialist endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics
- Ongoing investment in bulk billing, Medicare Urgent Care Clinics and public hospitals
- Additional investment in cheaper childcare and early childhood education
- Continued wage increases for aged care and childcare workers
- Mental health and trauma recovery support for women and children affected by violence
- Investment in crisis and transitional housing, alongside calls for further social and affordable housing investment