Victoria Pledges $30 Million for Free Abortion Care

The Victoria State Government pledged a $30 million investment over four years to eliminate out-of-pocket costs for abortion care if re-elected in the November election. The proposal covers medical and surgical abortions under 16 weeks' gestation at participating private providers, removing fees for GP consultations, specialists, and medication. The plan aims to address "abortion deserts" and a "postcode lottery" in regional areas by expanding the Victorian Patient Travel Assistance Scheme.

Health Minister Ingrid Stitt announced the plan would also extend the medical abortion window from nine to 10 weeks, with a clinical review by Safer Care Victoria to potentially extend it to 12 weeks. Labor framed the move as a safeguard against a potential coalition between the Liberal Party and One Nation, alleging the latter seeks to criminalize abortion.

Opposition Leader Jess Wilson denied that abortion laws would change under a Liberal and Nationals government. Meanwhile, One Nation's national platform pledges to roll back abortion laws and reduce gestational limits, though federal leader Pauline Hanson stated she does not oppose first-trimester abortions.

Crossbench members and the Greens supported the policy's intent but criticized the timing. Victorian Greens leader Ellen Sandell and Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell accused the government of playing politics with healthcare ahead of an election where polling shows Labor trailing the coalition.