MARK BUTLER MP
MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND AGED CARE
 
GED KEARNEY MP
ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND AGED CARE 
ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR INDIGENOUS HEALTH
MEMBER FOR COOPER
 
PETER KHALIL MP
MEMBER FOR WILLS
 
JOSH BURNS MP
MEMBER FOR MACNAMARA

 $10 Million To Strengthen Medicare For The LGBTQIA+ Community

 A re-elected Albanese Labor Government will invest $10 million to strengthen Medicare for LGBTIQA+ Australians by improving their access to inclusive, culturally safe primary care.
 
This $10 million election commitment will support primary healthcare providers to improve their skills and knowledge to deliver inclusive LGBTIQA+ healthcare. A training provider will be selected through a competitive grants process.
 
We will also introduce a voluntary accreditation program so that healthcare providers can be recognised for meeting best practice for LGBTIQA+ care, helping patients identify safe and trusted services.
 
This announcement is the next step in the Albanese Labor Government’s National Action Plan for the Health and Wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ People (Action Plan), released in December 2024 and developed in partnership with LGBTIQA+ communities and an Expert Advisory Group.
 
Labor is working hand in hand with the community. If re-elected, we will establish ongoing community engagement to support the implementation of the Action Plan and inform relevant policy decisions.
 
In our first term, the Albanese Labor Government has worked alongside the community to improve the health and wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ people, including:

• $13 million grants program for LGBTIQA+ health services and initiatives
• $2 million to collect data through La Trobe University’s health and wellbeing LGBTIQA+ surveys
• $500,000 to expand InterAction for Health and Human Rights InterLink program
• $22 million in health and medical research for the LGBTIQA+ community through the Medical Research Future Fund
• Adding the topic of ‘sexual orientation and gender’ to the 2026 census.
• $43.9 million to put Australia on track to eliminate the transmission of HIV by 2030 and establishing the National HIV Taskforce.
• Additional funding for community mental health supports through Qlife; and
• Making Medicare more equitable by expanding the definition of infertility to allow women in same sex relationships and single women access to rebates for IVF.

Consistent with past practice, election commitments will be delivered in line with Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles.
 
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler MP:
 
“The LGBTIQA+ community knows that only Labor will continue to strengthen Medicare for all Australians.
 
“I am proud of the strides we’ve taken in our first term of government, from securing PrEP during supply shortages, to investing in medical research and delivering the first ever LGBTIQA+ Health Action Plan.
 
“A re-elected Albanese Labor Government will continue to work in partnership with the LGBTIQA+ community to improve inclusive care nationwide.”
 
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Cooper Ged Kearney MP:
 
“From working as a nurse during the HIV/AIDS crisis, to campaigning with the ACTU for marriage equality, I’ve always been proud to stand with the LGBTIQA+ community for equality and liberation.  

“Supporting frontline health professionals to deliver inclusive care is essential – it will break down the barriers that prevent too many LGBTIQA+ Australians from getting the care they need.”
 
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Wills Peter Khalil MP:
 
“When Labor says that we are strengthening Medicare – that means strengthening it for everyone.
 
“I want all LGBTIQA+ people in my community to have peace of mind in knowing that when they need to access primary care, that care will be delivered in a compassionate and culturally appropriate way.”
 
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Macnamara Josh Burns MP:
 
“In Macnamara, we have a number of organisations that specialise in LGBTIQA+ health that demonstrate that the key to getting better outcomes for the community is expertise driven by the community itself.
 
“This announcement builds on the existing work of LGBTIQA+ Australians whose advocacy and tireless work will ensure the community can receive the care, understanding and support they need throughout their lives.”

Quotes attributable to Health Equity Matters’ CEO, Dash Heath-Paynter
 
“Health Equity Matters welcomes this vital investment in culturally safe healthcare for LGBTIQA+ Australians.
 
“With higher-than-normal rates of mental and physical health challenges, this funding directly addresses critical barriers to care.
 
“The training and accreditation model will help create healthcare environments where LGBTIQA+ people can seek treatment without fear of discrimination or stigma.”
 
Quotes attributable to Carolyn Gillespie, Chair, LGBTIQ+ Health Australia (LHA)

“LHA welcomes the Albanese Labor Government’s commitment to delivering on the Action Plan’s promise of a healthier, more inclusive Australia. Too often, LGBTIQA+ people avoid accessing care or do not feel safe when they seek help due to services that do not understand or respond to their needs.

“Building the capacity of primary care to ensure LGBTIQA+ people have equitable access is greatly needed. It is critical that this commitment supports LGBTIQA+ community-controlled health and wellbeing organisations to play a central role so that ongoing meaningful relations with Primary Health Networks can be enhanced and sustained.”

MONDAY, 14 APRIL 2025
 
MEDIA CONTACT:
Labor Campaign Media | [email protected] | 02 6120 0805