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House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1)
2010-05-13 Daily Xml
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MEN'S HEALTH

Mr PICCOLO (Light) (15:07): In my inaugural speech on Thursday 4 May 2006, I raised the issue of men's health and men in society generally. I said that during my doorknocking for the campaign, I met many men who thought they had been alienated by society and have increasingly found negative ways to express their frustration and anger. I spoke about the need to address these issues. I said that issues like youth suicide, depression, prostate cancer and violence require a forum, a place to generate ideas and action, a place where men can seek advice from others who have experienced and triumphed over these issues.

I am happy to say that in the intervening four years I have worked with other men in the community and a men's health group was established in the town of Gawler. As a result of that and the work of other men, particularly the fatherhood worker, and with support from the Gawler Health Service, a men's shed was established in the town to provide a place for men to meet. I will refer to that in a moment in more detail.

I raise this today because, recently, on 6 May the federal government announced its men's health policy. The National Men's Health Policy—which has been an aim of many men who work in the men's health area—is aimed at providing a framework for improving men's health across Australia. The policy came about as a result of a consultation process undertaken by the federal government which started in 2009. There were 26 public forums held across the country and more than 1,300 people gave evidence to that organisation, in addition to 90 public submissions which were also received by the working party that led to this policy.

Importantly this policy—although it is perhaps 110 years late—addresses some key issues about men's health in our society. One of the things it does say, which seems to be obvious, is that the health of Australian men is important. Until now, we have been stuck in an ideological debate about men's roles in society. This policy says that men's health is important because men are fathers, brothers, sons, etc., so that men play an important part. This policy seeks to ensure that we get optimal health outcomes for males.

The reality is that when men are mentally and physically healthy, families do well also. Children do well and a whole range of people benefit from that. By ensuring that men in our society are both mentally and physically healthy, those around them also do well.

Secondly, the policy identifies that among men, there are a number of different groups that have worse health outcomes, in particular Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and some migrant groups. The policy acknowledges that and seeks to address that imbalance.

Also, the policy acknowledges that the health needs of men vary according to different stages of their life. For example, the policy emphasises different health needs when young men start leaving school, when they develop relationships—a whole range of things. It actually acknowledges that men have different health needs through their life. Again, it seems to be common sense, but until now not well acknowledged.

There is also a greater focus on preventative health for males, so the policy seeks to encourage employers to deliver health checks and programs for males in the workplace because that is where men often interact the most and are more available. It also encourages other health promotion activities, particularly for those who deliver health services.

This policy also seeks to fund a national longitudinal study on male health to actually deliver some evidence about men and their health needs over time. I can say that the health department in this state, in conjunction with the Freemasons Foundation Centre for Men's Health has been supporting such a thing in the state already.

Time expired.

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