Dan Repacholi (Hunter, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise today to speak about Mental Health Month and, in particular, the mental health of Australian men. This is an issue that cuts across every part of our society. It affects every community, every workplace and every family. No matter where you live, what work you do or what your background is, every community in this country has men who are doing it tough, often without saying a word. The truth is simple, and it's also very confronting: Australian men are struggling with their mental health, and too often they are struggling in silence and also in isolation.

Last year alone, 2,529 Australian men died by suicide. That is more than three-quarters of all suicides in our nation. For men aged 15 to 44, suicide remains the leading cause of death. It's ahead of accidents, it's ahead of diseases and it's ahead of anything else. It's an enormous and preventable loss that should give us all the time to pause and reflect on these horrifying statistics, because behind each and every one of those numbers is a real life—a father, a son, a brother, a mate, a co-worker, a neighbour. When a man dies by suicide, it never just affects one person. Families carry that grief for years and years. Children grow up without their dads. Partners lose the person they planned a life with. Mates feel shock, guilt and heartbreak. Communities feel the loss deeply, often for generations.

Despite this enormous burden, men remain far more likely not to seek any help. Only around one-third of men experiencing a mental health condition saw a health professional last year. Many waited weeks or even months before reaching out and, tragically, some never reached out at all. Part of the challenge is that men often show signs of mental ill health in ways that can easily be misunderstood. For many men, poor mental health does not always include or look like sadness. It may come out as anger, frustration, disengagement, drinking more than usual, withdrawing from mates, losing interest in activities once enjoyed and loved, changes in behaviour at work, or physical symptoms such as headaches, insomnia and ongoing stomach pain. These signs can easily be overlooked—not because people don't care but because men themselves have grown up believing they should hide emotions, suppress vulnerability and simply soldier on. For generations, Australian men have been taught, directly and indirectly, that expressing emotion is a weakness, that asking for help is embarrassing and that suffering in silence is the strong thing to do. This old stereotype is costing lives in this country.

The risks are even higher in male dominated industries such as construction, mining, transport, agriculture, emergency services, defence and fly-in fly-out work. These industries come with long hours, isolation, physical strain, high-pressure environments and irregular shifts that disrupt routines and relationships. Many men in these sectors feel significant pressure to push through and avoid being seen as a burden or a problem. I've spoken to miners who work two weeks on and one week off and feel completely disconnected from their families. I've spoken to farmers who carry enormous financial pressures and the weight of generational expectations. I've spoken to tradies who will not mention how they're feeling on site because they do not want to make things awkward on site. These experiences are real, and they are far more common than many people realise. This is why addressing men's mental health requires a whole lot of community effort and why the Australian government continues to invest significantly in mental health services, prevention and support.

This year, around $7.8 billion is supporting mental health services, suicide prevention initiatives, digital programs and growth of a strong mental health workforce. Through Strengthening Medicare, more than $1 billion is helping Australians—especially young people—access support earlier and more easily. That includes expanding bulk-billing incentives, more affordable psychology and support that meets people where they are. Importantly, these programs are designed specifically for men because we know that a one-size-fits-all approach does not work.

The Men's Table gives men a safe, structured and confidential place to talk openly with other men. MATES in Construction, MATES in Energy and MATES in Manufacturing provide practical support for workers in high-risk industries. These programs save lives not just by offering professional help but by building cultures where it is normal to check in on your mates. Dads in Distress assists separated fathers who often feel isolated and unsure of where to turn. DadBooster provides online support for new fathers navigating the huge transition into parenthood. SMS4dads, developed by the University of Newcastle, sends out simple but powerful messages to new dads, reminding them they are not alone and providing guidance during the early and often overwhelming months of fatherhood.

For First Nations men, who face suicide rates around three times higher than non-Indigenous men, culturally safe services like Brother to Brother and 13YARN are absolutely vital. These services are run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. They recognise the importance of culture, community and connection in healing. The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Strategy is designed with strong community leadership, supports long term change and local self-determined solutions.

As important as funding and programs are, they alone cannot overcome the biggest barrier which is, unfortunately, stigma—stigma around mental health, stigma around seeking help, stigma around what it means to be a man. Too many men still believe that asking for support shows weakness. Too many fear being judged. Too many think they'll be letting their families down if they admit they are struggling. But, in truth, speaking up is a sign of strength and a sign of responsibility and courage. Every Australian can play a part in breaking down that stigma.

Movember promotes a simple and effective method called ALEC—ask, listen, encourage action and check in. Ask a mate how he is really going. Listen carefully without rushing to fix or judge. Encourage action such as talking to a GP, calling a support service or opening up to somebody close. Check in again later because one conversation is just the beginning, not the end. These small moments all matter. These conversations save lives.

Workplaces can do even more by encouraging open discussions, providing mental health training, offering flexible work arrangements, building supportive environments and promoting early intervention. Employers can help reduce risk and create healthy cultures. Workplaces that value mental health do not just protect workers; they build stronger, safer and more productive teams.

Communities also play a powerful role. When men feel connected to family, friends, culture or community, they are healthier and safer. When men feel isolated, unconnected or ashamed, their risks increase significantly. Strengthening social connection through sport, volunteering, culture, clubs, Men's Sheds or community groups is often one of the most effective ways to protect men's wellbeing. Men themselves can also take practical steps to protect their mental health—sleeping well, eating well, staying active, limiting alcohol, spending more time with mates, reconnecting with hobbies, reaching out early when something feels wrong and getting help to build resilience, balance and wellbeing.

But when things get tough, support is always available. Lifeline, Beyond Blue, Men's Line, the Suicide Call Back Service, 13YARN, Kids Helpline and headspace are ready to assist at any hour for any reason. These services provide confidential and non-judgemental support, and we need to make sure we keep getting people to reach out to them.

Mental Health Month is not just a date on the calendar. It is something that should be looked at every day of the week, and I urge every male out there to make sure you are looking after your health and your mental health as best as you can because mental health and physical health go hand in hand. If we're struggling, we need to be talking to our GPs. Get out, and see your GP. Do yourself a favour on your birthday—book in an appointment with your GP. Make it normal to see them. Get a blood test, and talk about your mental health. If you are struggling, reach out because help is available. Please make sure you do it, and remember it's not weak to speak.

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