In a move to enhance healthcare accessibility for migrant and refugee women, the Albanese Government is investing $5.4 million to extend the Health in My Language (HiML) program across Australia. This funding will support the Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health in delivering the program throughout all states and territories in 2025-2026.
The Health in My Language program is designed to bridge the gap in healthcare by removing language and cultural barriers. It recruits and trains bicultural women’s health educators who lead educational sessions in various languages spoken by culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. These sessions focus on key health topics like sexual and reproductive health, cancer screening, and COVID-19, ensuring that women receive information that is not only accessible but also culturally appropriate.
Since its inception, HiML has helped thousands of women make informed health decisions. This funding extension will allow the program to expand its reach, offering critical health education to even more communities.
The program is delivered in collaboration with several key organizations across the country:
- True Relationships and Reproductive Health (QLD)
- Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS) (NSW)
- Women’s Health Matters (ACT)
- Australian Red Cross (TAS, SA, NT)
- Ishar Multicultural Women’s Health Services (WA)
Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Ged Kearney MP, emphasized the importance of breaking down language and cultural barriers in healthcare. She stated, “No person or group should feel unsafe, judged, or unwelcome when seeking healthcare. We must ensure that healthcare is accessible by providing information in diverse languages and in culturally safe ways.”
Similarly, Assistant Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Julian Hill MP, underscored the government’s commitment to health equity: “The great promise of Australian multiculturalism is a fair go – that everyone can access the information and services they need. Since 2022, Health in My Language has empowered thousands of women, and this extension will build on that success.”
This funding reaffirms the Albanese Government’s commitment to providing inclusive healthcare for all, particularly migrant and refugee women. By ensuring that these women have the tools and knowledge to make informed health decisions, the government continues to work toward a more equitable healthcare system.
