Mrs PHILLIPS (Gilmore) (11:15): I am really proud to stand up today to talk about some of the incredible women's health initiatives that the Albanese Labor government is backing in my electorate of Gilmore.

The South-Eastern Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic, located in Milton, is an essential health service that is changing the lives of women. Since the doors opened in September 2023, hundreds of women whose symptoms have been ignored for many years or even decades have gained a new sense of hope.

I've spoken with women of all ages who have told me that for the first time their symptoms have been taken seriously by the wonderful Milton team, led by Dr Katie Macartney and specialist women's health nurse Susan Wilford. The team provides accessible specialist health support in a safe place. They take the time to really listen to and validate women.

As a wife and mother of four, I understand how women can struggle with a range of health conditions. We are so busy with work and families that we often put ourselves last and just put up with the pain. As we kick off Women's Health Week, I encourage all Australian women to slow down and take the time to look after yourselves. Check your boobs, have that pap smear and talk to your health professional. Don't give up if you don't get the answer you're looking for straightaway.

One woman aged in her 40s went to see the team at the south-eastern New South Wales clinic, and she was given fresh hope after living with pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, bowel changes and sleep disturbance for 30 years. She required surgery, and is now receiving ongoing care to assist with pain management, including pain reprocessing therapy, pelvic floor function, defecation dynamics training, and strategies to unwind the body and mind, such as yoga.

She has returned to work, has a better relationship with her partner, and is feeling healthier and happier than she has for three decades. It's essential that women with endometriosis symptoms receive good support and a timely diagnosis—even better, that they can access that help close to home.

Endometriosis and other pelvic issues can have a devastating impact on women's daily lives. They wait an average of seven years before diagnosis. I'm so pleased that as part of the Albanese Labor government's $792.9 million women's health package, 11 new endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics will open across the nation.

I am also immensely proud that Australia's first Aboriginal-owned and midwifery-led Birthing on Country Centre of Excellence is now under construction in Nowra. The purpose-built hub will provide culturally safe and continuative midwifery care, including antenatal, birthing and postnatal support for Aboriginal women and their families.

I've been working towards this facility alongside the amazing team at Waminda, the South-Coast women's Health and Wellbeing Aboriginal Corporation for almost a decade, and have always supported their vision to improve outcomes for local Indigenous women and children. I'm so proud to have delivered $22.5 million from the Albanese Labor government for construction of the state-of-the-art centre, which is expected to welcome its first baby in mid-2026.

Waminda is a dynamic organisation, deeply embedded in our community, and its birthing on country centre will ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and families get the best possible maternity care for generations to come. We know that birthing on country leads to significantly better health outcomes for First Nations mothers and babies.

It improves maternal and perinatal outcomes, including attending more antenatal visits, being less likely to have a premature birth and being more likely to exclusively breastfeed. The new facility will be a wonderful asset for not only women across the South Coast but also women right around Australia who seek to give birth on country, to whom its doors will be open.

During Women's Health Week, I want to congratulate the dedicated team at Waminda and everyone involved in establishing what will be the most comprehensive Aboriginal led birthing-on-country service in the world.

I want to express how proud I am to be part of the Albanese Labor government - the first majority-women government - that is finally taking women's health seriously.