A major shift in Australian politics sees Victoria poised to become the first state to guarantee free abortion care up to 16 weeks’ gestation, with both major parties now pledging to cover out-of-pocket costs—including consultations, scans, and medication—that can exceed $1,000. The opposition leader confirmed the Coalition would match Labor’s policy hours after its announcement, effectively removing abortion as a divisive election issue. The move reflects growing bipartisan pressure to address financial barriers to reproductive healthcare. The decision could set a precedent for other states as the November vote approaches.
Exclusive: Out-of-pocket costs for abortion care to be covered regardless of who wins November election as Jess Wilson says Liberals and Nationals ‘will not allow Labor to play politics on this issue’Follow our Australian politics live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastVictoria will become the first state in Australia to make access to abortion care free, no matter who wins the November election, with the Coalition matching Labor’s promise just hours after it was announced as it attempts to neutralise the issue.The opposition leader, Jess Wilson, on Thursday afternoon told Guardian Australia a Liberal National Coalition government would match Labor’s commitment to cover out-of-pocket costs for abortion care up to 16 weeks’ gestation. This would include GP and specialist consultations, scans, tests or medication, which can quickly add up to more than $1,000. Continue reading...
