Women across Australia who have previously paid hundreds of dollars for long-acting contraception are set to benefit from a new federal initiative aimed at improving access and affordability.

The Albanese Government has announced a $25.6 million investment to establish a national network of specialised contraception centres, with one to be rolled out in every state and territory—including Tasmania.

The centres will provide free advice and procedures for long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) and contraceptive implants. This includes both insertion and removal, delivered at no cost to patients.

The move comes after years of concern about cost barriers, with some women previously paying up to $400 out of pocket for the procedures.

Health experts say the new bulk-billing clinics will help address low uptake of long-acting contraception in Australia, which has been linked to cost, limited access to trained providers and lack of information.

The new centres—alongside broader changes to Medicare rebates—aim to give women greater choice and control over their reproductive health, regardless of where they live. Outreach services will also support regional and rural communities by improving access to trained clinicians.

The first services are expected to begin rolling out from mid-2026.

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