The Coalition is committed to addressing the unique issues facing men, boys and fathers, and is pleased to announce the appointment of Wide Bay MP Llew O’Brien as Shadow Special Envoy for Men and Boys.
Federal Member for Wannon, Dan Tehan, said men and boys were facing real challenges in all aspects of life, such as health, family law, education and the workforce, but too often these issues go unaddressed in the public debate.
“The Coalition’s newly created position addresses the unique challenges that face men, boys and dads,” Mr Tehan said.
“The modern world is squeezing men between the extremes of some calling masculinity ‘toxic’ and others that are spreading misogyny, mainly online. We need true leadership that holds up role models of men who are strong, disciplined and who respect women.
“In recent decades, many men have felt the brunt of economic change. Industries have gone offshore, small businesses are being crushed by red tape, and our farmers have faced drought and changed market conditions.
“It is vital men and boys can access the services they need. This is why the Coalition is appointing Llew O’Brien as the Shadow Special Envoy for Men and Boys. Llew will be tasked with developing a comprehensive approach that ensures that our brothers, sons and dads are not left behind.”
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, males are more likely than females to experience premature deaths, known as the potential years of life lost (PYLL), dying younger from disease, suicide or fatal crashes.
In 2023, there were 28,112 potentially avoidable deaths (heart disease, suicide, lung diseases or diabetes) and of these, 63 per cent were male.
Mr Tehan said the new position will enable Australian men to overcome entrenched disadvantage and new and emerging challenges where men and boys are falling behind.
“Men’s health and mental health are enormous issues; men die younger from preventable diseases
and at much higher rates of suicide, which means men, their families, and Australia are losing too
many potential happy and productive years of life.
“Advocacy for women’s issues is inspiring, and, like the wonderful work addressing disadvantage for
women and girls, Australia can’t accept a business-as-usual approach to male disadvantage in policy
areas like life expectancy, chronic disease, suicide and education,” said Mr Tehan.
Prior to entering Parliament, Mr O’Brien worked as a police officer for more than 15 years. He has
previously spoken about his experience of living with posttraumatic stress disorder, after serving as a
traffic accident investigator.
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Contact: Sandie Gustus M | 0408 564 232 E | sandie.gustus@aph.gov.au
