Q&A with Hon Dan Repacholi MP - first Special Envoy for Men's Health

It’s a real honour. I’ve spent my life in working-class communities, as a tradie, an Olympian and now in Parliament. I know firsthand how often men put their health last, or feel they’ve got to tough it out. So, to be in a position where I can help change that mindset and push for better outcomes for Aussie blokes means a lot to me.

My job is to be a strong voice in government for men’s health. That means listening to communities, talking to experts and working with Ministers to make sure men’s health, physical and mental - is front and centre in policy decisions. It’s also about raising awareness, breaking down stigma and making sure support is accessible where it’s needed.

I want to see fewer blokes falling through the cracks. That means earlier intervention, better access to services, especially in rural and regional areas, and making it okay for men to speak up when they’re struggling. If I can help even one bloke reach out instead of suffering in silence, then this role is worth it.

Men and boys face some pretty tough stats, higher rates of suicide, substance abuse, and preventable chronic diseases. Too many feel pressure to keep quiet about what they’re going through. There’s a culture of silence that we need to change. And for boys, we need to teach early on that looking after your health, mental and physical, is a strength, not a weakness.

First, we need strong, local mental health services that men feel comfortable using. We need to invest in programs that connect with men where they are, at work, in sports clubs, in the pub. We also need to tackle the drivers of poor mental health: unemployment, relationship breakdown, and isolation. And we must listen to people with lived experience to guide the way.

Access is the big issue in the bush. In regional and remote communities, services are few and far between. You might have to drive hours to see a counsellor, that’s if there is one. But on the flipside, communities in the country are tight-knit, and that can be a strength. So, the solutions have to be local, practical and community-driven, not just cookie-cutter programs from the city.

Keep doing the incredible work you’re doing, but also keep talking to us. Tell us what’s working and what’s not. Help us make services more bloke-friendly, language matters, environment matters. And keep pushing for collaboration. No one organisation can do this alone. If we’re all pulling in the same direction, we can make a real difference.

Just a big thank you. The work you do saves lives. I know it’s tough, I know it’s emotionally draining, but you are making a difference every day. And from my end, I’m here to back you up. If there’s something I can do in Canberra to support your work, I want to hear it. We’ve got to work together to give men and boys the support they deserve.