• In March 1989 the National Women's Health Policy was endorsed by all Australian Health
  Ministers and launched by the Prime Minister in April 1989.

• In 1989/90 the Commonwealth allocated 16.86 million dollars over 4 years for a National 
  Women's Health Programme as recommended in the National Women's Health Policy.

• The programme is cost shared with shared with states and territories on 
  a dollar for dollar basis, bringing total funding for the programme to 
  33.72 million dollars.

Objectives

1. The National Women's Health Policy is based on an understanding of health within a 
   social context as emphasised by the World Health Organisation and endorsed by the 
   Australian Government in it's national policy on 'Health for all Australians'. 
   This view recognises that:

• Health is determined by a broad range of social, environmental, economic and 
  biological factors.

• Differences in health status and health outcome are linked to gender, age, 
  socioeconomic status, ethnicity, disability, location and environment.

• Health promotion, disease prevention, equity of access to appropriate and 
  affordable services.

• Information, consultation and community development are important elements 
  of the health process. 

2. Women's health policy must encompass all of a woman's lifespan, and reflect 
   women's various roles in Australia society, not just their reproductive role.

3. Women's health policy must aim to promote greater participation by women in 
   decision making about health services and health policy, as both consumers 
   and providers.

4. Women's health policy must recognise women's rights, as health care consumers, 
   to be treated with dignity in an environment which provides for privacy, informed 
   consent and confidentiality.

5. Women's health policy must acknowledge that informed decisions about health and 
   health care require accessible information which is appropriately targeted for 
   different socioeconomic, education and cultural groups.

6. Women's health policy must be based on accurate data and research concerning 
   women's health, women's views about health, and strategies which most effectively 
   address women's health needs.

• Improvements in the health services for women.
• The provision of health information and education for women.
• Women's participation in decision making about health.
• Research and data collection on women's health.
• Training of health care providers.
  

• Reproductive health & sexuality
• Emotional & mental health
• Occupational health & safety
• Health effects of sex role stereotyping on women
• Health of ageing women
• Violence against women
• Health needs of women as carers.