Luke Gosling (Solomon, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Movember's The real face of men's health in Australia report last year showed that suicide is the leading cause of death among men aged 15 to 44 years and that the average rate of male premature death in rural electorate is 3.5 times higher than those in inner metro areas. Efforts are being made to break down unhealthy masculine stereotypes of stoicism and bravado to encourage men to access health services and to seek help, particularly important for addressing mental health concerns. We also know health professionals and educators need to be better equipped to engage boys and men in frank and open discussions about their health and wellbeing. That's why Labor's commitment of $32 million to advance men's mental health is a vital investment.

I congratulate Professor James Smith from the Flinders University campus in Darwin, in my electorate, for recently being awarded an Australian Research Council Mid-Career Industry Fellowship. James will identify the best strategies for engaging vulnerable and marginalised boys and young men in health and social services, including, of course, mental health services.

I want to acknowledge the work of the member for Hunter, Dan Repacholi, as the Special Envoy for Men's Health. He's doing a sterling job and he's really bringing more attention to this area of vital need.

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