Role
The National Women’s Health Advisory Council provided advice to the government on priority health issues for women and girls in Australia.
The council also provided advice and recommendations on the implementation of the National Women’s Health Strategy 2020–2030. This strategy outlines a national approach to reducing inequalities and improving the health of women and girls in Australia.
The council’s term ended on 31 December 2025.
Next steps
The council has transitioned to a new Ministerial Expert Panel on Women’s Health (expert panel) that will advise on priority areas of women’s health.
The expert panel will focus on targeted conditions that disproportionately affect women or where women face inequities in health outcomes. The first expert panel will focus on cardiovascular disease, which is a leading cause of death and illness in Australian women.
Communiques
National Women’s Health Advisory Council – Communiques
Reports
National Women's Health Strategy 2020-2030
National Women's Health Strategy 2020-2030 Monitoring and Reporting Framework
National Women's Health Strategy 2020-2030 Baseline assessment report
Annual report
The National Women’s Health Advisory Council undertook several activities during the first 18 months of its term. The inaugural annual report outlines the activities of the council, including:
- the #EndGenderBias survey
- a literature review
- the National Women’s Health Summit
- a framework to monitor and report on the National Women’s Health Strategy 2020–2030
See the 2023–24 annual council report.
#EndGenderBias survey
The council conducted the #EndGenderBias survey to better understand the unique barriers and gender bias women face in Australia’s healthcare system. We heard from:
- women
- experts
- healthcare professionals
- consumer representatives
- peak stakeholder groups.
The survey closed on 13 October 2023. The council is used the survey findings to help inform its advice to government on addressing gender bias in the healthcare system.
Read the:
Literature review
The council commissioned Monash University to undertake a literature review to:
- examine gender equity issues in the Australian context
- inform strategies to reduce sex and gender bias and disparities in the healthcare system.
The review found sex and gender differences in the risk, presentation, treatment, and research of various health conditions in Australia. The review also found variations in how Australian clinical practice guidelines incorporate evidence on sex and gender.
See the final literature review.