Matt Burnell (Spence, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Today I speak on an issue that has historically gone unspoken in this place and in homes, workplaces, footy fields and pubs across our nation. That issue is men's health, and gives me great pleasure to be in the chamber with my very good friend the member for Hunter, the very aptly appointed Special Envoy for Men's Health. You're doing a fantastic job, mate.

While we've made great strides in medical research, in expanding services and in breaking down barriers, there is still a painful truth that we must confront: too many Australian men are struggling with their health in silence. Too many are fighting battles physical, mental and emotional without support, without understanding and without the tools they need to seek help. Tragically, far too many are dying because of it. We know that men are more likely to delay going to the doctor, more likely to downplay symptoms and more likely to believe they just need to tough it out or to man up. But being strong does not mean being silent. It's okay to be not okay.

In Australia today, silence is costing lives, as suicide remains the leading cause of death of Australian men aged 15 to 44. Every day, we lose around seven men to suicide. That's seven families torn apart, seven communities left grieving and seven more reasons to act with urgency and compassion. That's why this government is taking action to change the conversation around men's health and to change the outcomes for men and boys across Australia. We're doing that by investing in early intervention, building safe and accessible services and dismantling the outdated stereotypes that stop too many men from reaching out. This year, we have committed $32 million to targeting men's health initiatives. That includes $11.3 million for Movember—maybe not my strong suit but definitely the member for Hunter's!—an organisation that has transformed awareness and action on men's health for more than two decades. This funding will help train 60,000 primary healthcare workers so that, when men do walk through the door of a GP, they are met with professionals who understand their needs and how best to support them. As well as this, there is $20.7 million in grassroots mental health programs because we know the most effective support often happens outside traditional settings. We're expanding funding for trusted committee organisations like men's sheds, Ahead of the Game, Healthy Male and the Danny Frawley Centre, which work with men where they live, work and play, from local sports clubs to regional towns. These investments are not a one off. They're part of a broader health and mental health agenda that this government is delivering.

We're investing $8.5 billion to strengthen Medicare, including cheaper medicines, more bulk-billing and better access to GPs. As well as this, $11.6 million specifically for men's health was allocated in the 2024-25 budget. There is over $1 billion for mental health services, including expanding headspace centres for young Australians, especially in Gawler in my electorate of Spence, and growing our mental health workforce so people don't have to wait or go without help. We are helping men who might never have spoken to a psychologist get help at their local footy club. We're helping fathers open up to their sons and look out for their mates, and we're helping blokes in small towns take that first vital step by saying three powerful words: I need help. We're doing it while making the system more affordable and more accessible for all Australians. You shouldn't have to be wealthy or live in a major city to get the quality health care you need.

Breaking down the stigma isn't just a campaign; it's a commitment. It's a promise to men and boys across the country that we see them, that we value them and that help is just around the corner. It's about shifting the cultural landscape so that talking about your health is a sign of strength, not weakness. It's about building a country where no man feels like he must suffer in silence. When we support men's health, we strengthen families, we strengthen communities and we strengthen our nation. This isn't just a men's issue; it's an issue for our society. Whether it's the dad struggling after a job loss, a teenager facing anxiety at school, the veteran coping with trauma or the retired tradesman navigating illness. Every Aussie bloke deserve support, dignity and the chance to live a full and healthy life. I welcome this government's leadership in delivering that support. I commend all organisations, health workers, community volunteers and families who are walking alongside our men every single day. By investing in better health outcomes for our men and boys, we are building something bigger: a stronger, fairer and healthy Australia.

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