Australian politics live: Victoria Labor promises free abortion if re-elected; Albanese criticises Hanson’s ‘monoculture’

Victoria's Labor party has pledged to provide free abortion care if they remain in power after the November election. The $30 million election commitment would cover private providers offering medical and surgical abortions, eliminating out-of-pocket expenses for patients. This would include removing costs for GP or specialist consultations, imaging, tests, and medications.

The government also plans to extend the window for medical abortion from nine to 10 weeks and conducts a clinical review to potentially extend access up to 12 weeks, aligning with World Health Organisation guidelines. The review would also determine who can deliver care and where it should take place. Additional support measures include subsidies for travel and accommodation for patients who need to travel for abortion services, training for community health care providers, and extra funding for 1800 My Options.

Health Minister Ingrid Stitt emphasized that abortion care is healthcare and that Labor will protect a woman's right to choose. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese criticized Pauline Hanson's claim that Australia should be "monocultural", arguing that each cultural and ethnic community adds to Australia's character, expanding its "palates" and uniting people.