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

I rise today to mark September as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the impact of the most common cancer facing Australian men. Prostate cancer's reach is profound, affecting not only the men diagnosed but their partners, families and communities, who carry that burden alongside them. Behind every statistic is a real story of a father, a brother, a mate. Their journeys remind us why early detection, timely treatment and continued support matter so deeply. The Albanese government is committed to taking action, because we know that early detection and better treatment saves lives. That's why we have made the biggest investment in cancer nurses on record.

In 2023, the government delivered $166 million for the Australian Cancer Nursing and Navigation Program, the first of its kind. This program is helping patients navigate everything between diagnosis and recovery, ensuring that no-one is left alone in the complexity of a cancer journey. At the election, Labor also announced a $32 million package to strengthen Medicare and support men's health, recognising that prostate cancer is part of a wider challenge to how men engage with their health. Research conducted by the Movember Institute of Men's Health shows that, because of gender stereotypes, two in every three men avoid seeking health support. Almost half of men believe it is normal to avoid health checkups altogether. This culture costs lives. Talking about men's health, breaking down stigma and encouraging action are vital if we are to change outcomes.

I also recognise all healthcare professionals, whose work saves lives and supports families every day. They are supported by organisations such as the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and by countless community support groups who offer safe spaces and peer support. These networks remind us that strength is found not only in medicine but also in community, yet we must acknowledge the inequities that persist. Men in rural and regional Australia face longer wait times, higher costs and greater distances to care. First Nations men often face additional barriers, including the lack of culturally safe health services. Men with a family history of prostate cancer are at greater risk and need earlier, more proactive screening. These inequities demand action, and Labor is acting.

Beyond cancer treatment the Albanese government is also investing in men's health and wellbeing at the community level. We are delivering $20.7 million for grassroots initiatives that strengthen resilience and encourage men to seek support early. That includes $8.3 million to continue the men's sheds initiative, with grants of up to $10,000 for sheds around the country and new health promotion programs; $7.4 million to expand the Movember Ahead of the Game program in partnership with the AFL, helping young men build resilience and understand the importance of asking for help; $3 million to Healthy Male, delivering the Plus Paternal initiative to support men preparing for fatherhood and building good parenting skills; and $2 million to the Black Dog Institute, supporting research at the Dani Foley Centre for Health and Wellbeing, linked to St Kilda Football Club's annul Spud's Game at the MCG, which raises awareness of men's health, mental health and suicide prevention.

These initiatives remind us that cancer care and men's health are connected, but these conversations must go beyond the clinic. They need to be had at home, on the job site or at the footy field. Talking about health saves lives. Acting early on symptoms, taking up screening and reaching out for support—these choices give men the best chance to live long and well. Every Australian man deserves that chance, whether he lives in the city or in the regions, whether he comes from a First Nations community, whether he carries a family history of risk. This government must stand with them, and we are taking steps in the right direction to help our communities. Together we can change the future of prostate cancer and men's health in Australia.

I want to conclude by commending my good mate the Member for Hunter, who serves as the Special Envoy for Men's Health. His leadership is driving real improvements in how men's health is understood and supported, delivering both immediate outcomes and long-term benefits. The work he is doing is helping to create a healthier Australia today and a stronger future for generations of men to come. In closing, there's nothing tough about being silent and not seeking help. If you really want to be courageous, you've got to go and see your GP and get that little niggle checked out. You never know; it just might save your life.

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