Rob Mitchell (McEwen, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to support this motion—it's not a bill; it's a motion—of the member for Hunter and to speak on an issue that is of national importance: men's health, particularly the mental health and wellbeing of men and boys. I speak today not just as a member of parliament but as a father, grandfather, uncle, brother, mate and someone who, like many of us here, has known the pain of losing someone far too soon and has dealt with the ongoing consequences of that.

Every day, across this country, too many men are struggling in silence. They show up to work. They'll pick up the kids. They'll crack a joke at the pub, but, behind all that, they're hurting. They carry burdens that no-one sees, and the saddest part is that they're often told, 'Suck it up,' and they have to carry it alone. Too many are battling with mental and physical health behind closed doors, often feeling unable to speak up or seek help. Outdated stereotypes about masculinity continue to cast a long shadow, stopping men from reaching out when they need it the most. The silence can be deadly. Suicide remains the leading cause of death for Australian men aged 18 to 44. That is a heartbreaking reality, and it's a national emergency that we must face with urgency and compassion.

I'm proud to be a part of a government, the Albanese Labor government, that is taking action, not just with slogans but with serious, targeted investment in men's health. We are strengthening Medicare and delivering $32 million in dedicated initiatives focused on supporting men and boys, including the $11.3 million for Movember to train 60,000 primary healthcare workers across the country and to encourage men to take the first step—visit your doctor. And it includes the $20.7 million for grassroots mental health programs—support where it's needed most—including funding for men's sheds, the Ahead of the Game initiative, Healthy Male and the Danny Frawley Centre, all of which are doing life-changing and life-saving work in our communities today.

As co-chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Men's Sheds—something I hold very, very dearly—I have seen firsthand the impact that invaluable places of connection has in supporting men's mental health and fighting isolation. Men's Shed plays a huge part in improving the health and wellbeing of men in our community and are the perfect place to get the message out that men's health is a priority for the Albanese Labor government. Men's Shed are about more than just building things. They're about connection, community and better health outcomes for blokes. For too long, many men have put off seeing a doctor or talking to someone when they're struggling. We need to change that. Men's Shed provide a safe and familiar space where men can open up, check in with each other and access the information and support they need. The funding is about backing the incredible work that's already happening and making sure every man, no matter where they live, has a place to belong and someone looking out for them. Support at the grassroots level is critical.

In McEwen, the work of Romsey local Jack Bamford is a prime example. Jack is the founder of Fishing for Mental Health events held at Lauriston Reservoir. These events blend angling, nature and community to support men's health and wellbeing.

I'm proud to report I've taken part in these events—not that my fishing's been much chop!—and I've seen the impacts they have. They offer a chance for blokes to get together, step away from stress, get out in nature and connect with others over a simple activity. Fishing is calming; it promotes being in the moment and a sense of reflection, and small wins that build confidence. We worked with Fisheries Victoria to ensure stocked fish, and, with growing participation, these events model how simple activities can have a meaningful impact. Group settings like this foster mateship, conversation and peer support—key factors that are so important in mental health.

Jack's work in this space is making a real difference for men in our community. And there's Peter Patterson, at CTI, who developed, on his own property, a little cabin and a lake—again, thanks to Fisheries Victoria, we stocked some fish in there—where he takes veterans and first responders to meet, sit by the campfire and just relax, away from the world. They sit there, talk with professionals and get the support and help they need. This is an amazing thing he's done, and it's something that shows we can look at things outside the box and see where the opportunities are to bring the best results. It is a culture where speaking up is a sign of strength, not weakness; where men and boys are told not to tough it out but that they're not alone. Help is available if someone listens. This government's investment in mental health is more than about services; it's about a future where no man suffers in silence and no family is left to grieve alone.

See this speech in context