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FIND GEELONG | SEPTEMBER 2021
findgeelong.com.au
Victoria Taxpayers Will Pay For Future IVF Treatments By Warren Strybosch
Having a child is something most of us just take for granted. However, for some it becomes an emotional rollercoaster ride when they find out that they cannot have a child via natural means and need to consider alternative solutions. The world’s first In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) occurred in 1973 and Australia had their first IVF birth in 1980. The first baby born from a frozen embryo was in 1983 and since then IVF success rates have increased from 1-9 successful births to over 50% of successful births. One of the biggest hurdles for people wanting to try IVF was the cost associated with the procedure. Not anymore. The Andrews Labor Government is making it easier for more Victorians to achieve their dream of becoming parents by establishing the first public fertility care service in Victoria and asking Victorian taxpayers to cover the majority of the costs of those treatments. Minister for Health Martin Foley has stated, “We’re removing the financial barrier faced by too many families and making IVF easier, fairer and more affordable – it will be life changing for thousands of Victorian families every year.” “Our policy will save Victorian families up to $10,000 each year, ensuring that bank balance is no barrier to becoming a parent.”
The Victorian Budget 2021/22 will invest $70 million to establish public fertility care services, which will help up to 4,000 Victorians every year – saving them on average $10,000 each. The funding includes $20 million to improve public hospital facilities to deliver the services, while $50 million will be invested to provide up to 2,700 free treatment cycles and a range of other fertility care services to up to 4,000 Victorians per year.
with services expected to start in a phased approach from 2022. It is estimated public IVF will deliver on average savings of $10,000 to eligible Victorians, depending on their individual circumstances. This investment will also create jobs for more Victorians, with roles as fertility specialist doctors, nurses, counsellors, laboratory scientists and support staff.
This investment will deliver on the Labor Government’s commitment to create public IVF services, while also establishing Victoria’s first public sperm and egg bank.
What are your thoughts on the matter? Do you think it is fair for Victorians to take upon themselves the financial burden of paying for these IVF treatments, whilst those who are wanting to use the services do not have to pay as much or anything at all?
Public fertility care will make a real difference to thousands of Victorian families,
You can write your comments to the editor@findgeelong.com.au.
NAPLAN Results - Victorian Comes Out In Front Despite Lockdowns. By Warren Strybosch
Despite COVID, Victorian students have recorded the highest NAPLAN results. Year 3 students in Victoria continued improving on previous year’s results as they topped the class in reading, numeracy, and grammar and punctuation Victoria’s year 5 students also lead the nation in reading, numeracy, writing, and grammar and punctuation. Year 7 students improved in reading, writing and spelling compared to 2019 and scored the highest scores of any jurisdiction for reading and numeracy skills while Year 9s topped the nation in spelling. “These phenomenal results are more than statistics - they represent thousands of Victorian kids who will be afforded better opportunities through education, no matter where they live or what their background,” education minister James Merlino said. “We’re so proud to be building a world-class education system that gives every student the opportunity to shine - and I want to thank every educator, principal, family and school community across Victoria for helping us get here.” In secondary schools, more students are achieving the top two bands of reading compared to 2019 and there are less students in the bottom two bands.
