Federal election 2025: Labor vows $32m for men’s health initiatives to reach ‘blokes who put off their health’
Labor will dedicate an extra $32 million into men’s health initiatives if re-elected, focusing on grassroots organisations.
Funded programs include helping men who struggle with mental health and fatherhood, and those foregoing health support due to stereotypes.
From Men’s Shed to Movember, Health Minister Mark Butler said “too many blokes put off prioritising their health”.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Mr Butler highlighted Labor’s $11.3 million pledge to Movember, saying it would provide men’s healthcare training to more than 60,000 health care workers, based on the existing Men in Mind program.
“This investment by Labor into Movember’s training will mean doctors and nurses have the right tools to support men,” he said.
A campaign will also be developed to encourage men to visit a doctor.
Movember statistics show around half of men believe avoiding health check-ups is normal.
Australian men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
And they are significantly less likely to seek mental health support.
The move comes after the shock suicide of WA farmer and father-of-three Craig Heggaton.
His widow last week called for politicians to “stand up” and pay more attention to men’s health after the renowned industry figure took his own life amid a battle with prostate cancer.
Movember executive officer Terry Chief welcomed the investment, saying Australian boys and men were “slipping through the cracks” of the healthcare system.
“Without targeted support, too many are missing out on the care they need,” he said.
“This investment into primary care will help to equip GPs and clinicians with the tools to better engage and support men with their healthcare needs.”
Black Dog Institute will receive $2m to research men’s mental health and suicide prevention at the Danny Frawley Centre for Health and Wellbeing.
“This funding will allow us to better understand why this is happening and, crucially, to develop new interventions that can get the best available help to men when and where they need it,” the Institute’s Chief Scientist Professor Sam Harvey said.
