Speaking in support of a motion brought by the Hon. Sarah Game (Fair Go for Australians party) and supported by the Hon. Michelle Lensink (Liberal Party), Mr Hunter (Labor Party) said: 

"I am beyond delighted to stand here today and support ... this motion to celebrate International Men's Day. I love men. I love men a lot, an awful lot. I love men in all their diversity. I love straight men, I love gay men, I love bi-men, I love trans-men. I am delighted Sarah Game has brought to us today a motion that recognises the contributions of men in all their diversity across our community.

"Some people in the community may see International Men's Day as an opportunity to reinforce old, toxic versions of masculinity, but that is not the purpose of International Men's Day. International Men's Day is a reminder that there are real and difficult challenges faced by some of the men and boys around us in our community, and we need to share the challenges that they face, challenges we need to work together to overcome.

"This year ... offers a chance to celebrate all men and all boys, as I said: gay men and bi-men and heterosexual men and trans-men, and all the diversity the community offers. I would like to briefly reflect on some positive role models that can be provided to our community in this day and age, role models that I have looked up to.

"Firstly, Mr Andrew Barr, the Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory, was a prominent advocate for the marriage equality campaign in 2019 and became the first leader of an Australian state or territory government to marry someone of the same sex. Equally important, he has consistently supported anti-discrimination and inclusivity of LGBTIQ communities, being a wonderful role model for men in the ACT and across the country.

"Ian Thorpe, former Australian Olympic swimmer, has advocated for sporting bodies to do more for queer inclusivity in sports and has been among calls for greater support to help professionals experiencing homophobia in their fields. Our very own Hon. Robert Simms, former City of Adelaide councillor, Senator for South Australia, and now in a much better place, a member of the Legislative Council, has always put the perspective of the LGBTIQ community at the forefront of his advocacy and is a wonderful role model for young men in our society—although he is getting on a bit now.

"Mr Ian Roberts, actor and former rugby league footballer, came out as gay in 1995, making him the first rugby league player to do so. He has since gone on to become a director and co-founder of Qtopia Sydney, a museum dedicated to queer history and storytelling. Uncle Jack Charles, actor and activist, was a gay icon and role model for LGBTIQ Indigenous youth by encouraging them to be their true selves and to be strong in their own image.

"The Hon. Michael Kirby, former Justice of the High Court of Australia, was the first openly gay member of the High Court. He has championed human rights throughout his career and is a fantastic role model for men. Finally, there are many others but I will conclude with this: Mr Chansey Paech, former Deputy Chief Minister, Attorney-General and Speaker of the Northern Territory, was the country's first openly gay Indigenous parliamentarian. He continues to strive for equity and equality for queer Territorians and is a lovely, lovely man and a great role model for his people.

"These are some of the men, just a very small sample, who uphold the characteristics of what masculinity should look like in the modern day. These are men who can challenge harmful norms and support men and boys in ways that benefit everyone. They are fantastic representatives of their community. International Men's Day is an opportunity to celebrate the many men and boys who are already leading by example in our society, particularly those who show respect, kindness and courage every day."

Further Reading: Hansard transcript of International Men's Day motion