Australia: Victorian Labor Pledges Free Abortion Care as PM Criticises Hanson's 'Monoculture' Remarks

Several political developments in Australia on 15 October touch on healthcare, online safety and migration. The Labor government of Victoria state will announce that, if re-elected in November, it will make Victoria the first state in the country to offer free abortion care.

Free abortions in Victoria

Under the $30 million commitment, the government would pay private providers to deliver medical and surgical abortions up to 16 weeks. Women would no longer pay for GP or specialist consultations, imaging, tests or medication. A medical abortion can cost almost $700 out of pocket for patients with a Medicare card, and over $1,000 for those without one. Surgical abortions cost $895 with Medicare and almost $1,500 without.

The government also plans to extend the window for medical abortion from nine to 10 weeks and to direct Safer Care Victoria to review extending it to 12 weeks, in line with World Health Organisation guidelines. Patients who must travel for care would be eligible for a travel and accommodation subsidy. Health minister Ingrid Stitt said: "Abortion care is healthcare and Labor will make it free."

Digital duty of care bill

Communications minister Anika Wells will introduce the government's digital duty of care bill in federal parliament. The government is dropping earlier plans to give the minister rule-making power to define harmful content; new harms will instead be added by parliament through legislative amendment. The bill also includes carve-outs for journalists and news media.

PM versus 'monoculture'

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will address the Federation of Ethnic Communities Councils of Australia and criticise One Nation leader Pauline Hanson's claim that Australia should be monocultural. He will say each community adds breadth to the country's character, and encourage people to celebrate their heritage while embracing an Australian identity.

AI and elections

Australian Electoral Commissioner Jeff Pope called voters' use of AI chatbots for voting information an emerging concern. The commission is overhauling its website so AI tools draw on accurate information.