The package includes new measures for women in menopause including a boost to support and care provided by GPs.

The Albanese government has announced a $573 million funding promise for women’s health, including new spending to encourage long-term contraceptives.

Medicare rebates would be boosted significantly for women taking up long-term contraceptives, in an effort to lift their uptake, the ABC reported.

Use of long-term contraceptives such as IUDs and birth control implants is relatively low in Australia compared to many similar countries, and the devices can help manage conditions like painful periods and endometriosis.

The current Medicare rebate for the insertion of an IUD is just over $91 but would be lifted to more than $215 under the proposal. The rebate for removing an IUD would go from $61 to $134.

Alongside the new funding for long-term contraceptives, two new oral contraceptive pills are being listed on the PBS.

Health Minister Mark Butler said the government recognised the need for more options in contraception.

“It’s about time Australian women had more choice, lower costs and better health care,” he said.

The government’s package also includes new measures for women in menopause, including efforts to lift support and care provided by GPs.

A new Medicare rebate would be created for “menopause health assessments”, alongside funding provided for new training for health professionals in the area.