Senator Marielle Smith
The Senate Community Affairs References Committee will spend the next 9 months delving into the issues related to menopause and perimenopause.
More specifically, the Senate inquiry will consider:
- The economic consequences of menopause and perimenopause, including workforce participation, productivity, and retirement planning;
- Physical health impacts, including symptoms, associated medical conditions, and access to healthcare services;
- The mental and emotional wellbeing of individuals experiencing menopause and perimenopause, considering issues like mental health, self-esteem, and social support;
- The impacts on caregiving responsibilities, family dynamics, and relationships;
- Cultural and societal factors influencing perceptions and attitudes towards menopause and perimenopause, including within culturally and linguistically diverse communities and women’s business in First Nations communities;
- Levels of awareness amongst medical professionals and patients of symptoms and treatments, including affordability and availability;
- The level of awareness amongst employers and workers of the symptoms, and the awareness, availability, and usage of workplace supports;
- Existing Commonwealth, state and territory government policies, programs, and healthcare initiatives addressing menopause and perimenopause; and,
- How other jurisdictions support individuals experiencing menopause and perimenopause from a health and workplace policy perspective.
Submissions to the Senate Community Affairs References Committee inquiry, Issues related to menopause and perimenopause, are sought by 16 February 2024.
Individuals and organisations are encouraged to share their opinions and proposals in writing by addressing responses to the inquiry’s terms of reference. Submissions can be uploaded at: https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Community_Affairs/Menopause
Source: A new senate inquiry is hoping to break the silence and stigma around menopause