Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has outlined a plan to improve health care for women, as part of his re-election campaign. Albanese and the Labor government have pledged to invest $537 million into lowering the cost and improving the scope of women's health care, targeting issues like contraception and menopause.

So how will it all work? And are these measures in effect now? Or are they dependent on Labor being re-elected? Keep scrolling for all the important details.

What are the benefits for women's health in Labor's package?

A Labor government press release revealed that the measures include:

• The first PBS listing for new oral contraceptive pills in more than 30 years, with the listing of Yaz and Yasmin saving 50,000 women hundreds of dollars a year.
• More choice, lower costs and better access to long-term contraceptives, with larger Medicare payments and more bulk billing for IUDs and birth control implants saving around 300,000 women a year up to $400 in out-of-pocket costs.
• More endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics treating more conditions, opening 11 new clinics and ensuring all 33 clinics are staffed to provide specialist support for menopause.
• Contraceptives and treatment for uncomplicated UTIs directly from pharmacies, with two national trials to benefit 250,000 concession cardholders who will be able to consult a trained pharmacist at no cost and, if medications are required, pay only the usual medicine cost.
• More Medicare support for women experiencing menopause, with a new Medicare rebate for menopause health assessments, funding to train health professionals, the first-ever clinical guidelines and a national awareness campaign.
• The first PBS listing for new menopausal hormone therapies in over 20 years, with around 150,000 women saving hundreds of dollars a year from the listing of Prometrium®, Estrogel® and Estrogel® Pro.

According to Labor's findings, around 1 in 3 Australian women currently use a non-PBS listed contraceptive pill. These changes will mean that around 50,000 women will now pay around $126.40 a year, instead of $380.

Australian women have some of the lowest uptake of long-term contraceptives, despite these being the most effective option, while also providing relief for heavy menstrual bleeding, painful periods, endometriosis, perimenopause, and menopause. These initiative aim to provide an increased choice for women, assisting those who would like a long-term contraceptive option to have better access.

Likewise, allowing women to get treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) and over-thecounter contraceptives will allow for easier access to essential health care – removing the need to wait in a GP's office for simple solutions that could easily be provided by a pharmacy. This will also assist in taking unnecessary pressure off the health care system.

When will the benefits come into effect?

It's important to note that many of these measures are contingent on the Labor Government being re-elected as they are part of a 5-year plan.

Some measures will take effect immediately. Specifically the is the PBS listing for new oral contraceptive pills, and new menopausal hormone therapies. But most of the other measures would only be implemented should the Labor government be re-elected in the 2025 federal election.