NSW Politicians Lead Support For International Men’s Day
Political support for International Men’s Day (IMD) in 2025 was particularly visible in New South Wales, where federal and state representatives from across the political spectrum publicly acknowledged the day and its importance for men’s health and wellbeing.
At the Federal level, Labor MP Dan Repacholi, Member for Hunter and the Government’s Special Adviser for Men’s Health, played a prominent role in marking International Men’s Day on Wednesday, 19 November. Speaking on ABC Radio National Breakfast from Canberra, Repacholi described it as “a pleasure to be here on International Men’s Day,” using the opportunity to highlight the everyday contributions of men and boys to families, workplaces and communities.
In his remarks, Repacholi emphasised a positive and inclusive vision of masculinity, saying that being a man is not about “pretending you’re tough all the time,” but about showing up, supporting mates and being a role model for younger boys. He framed men’s health as a community-wide issue, arguing that when boys and men are supported, “the whole community is better for it.”
Support for IMD was also clearly evident in the New South Wales Parliament. Several members of the NSW Legislative Assembly made public statements or took formal parliamentary action to recognise the day and raise awareness of men’s health challenges.
NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane used International Men’s Day to speak in Parliament about persistent gaps in men’s health outcomes. She highlighted that men continue to die around four years earlier than women on average, are more likely to live with heart disease, and face suicide as the leading cause of death for men aged 15 to 44. She also commended organisations such as Movember for their advocacy and leadership in improving outcomes for men and boys.
Ms Sloane shared a video of a previous parliamentary speech focused on men’s health, in which she spoke directly to the lived experiences of men across the state. Her remarks referenced teenage boys searching for positive role models, men who downplay health concerns, and fathers struggling with mental health while trying to provide for their families. She concluded by saying that New South Wales must support men to be healthy and happy, and ensure they hear that their health matters.
Formal recognition of International Men’s Day was further reinforced through parliamentary motions. Liberal MP Robyn Preston tabled a motion acknowledging IMD, noting the ongoing stigma around men seeking help and commending organisations such as Movember, the Men’s Shed Association, the Men’s Table and Open Arms for their work across NSW.
Independent MP Philip Donato tabled a motion recognising the positive value men bring to society and calling for initiatives that improve men’s health outcomes and reduce stigma. Mr Donato acknowledged Forbes Shire Council for hosting an International Men’s Day event and apologised: “If I wasn’t sitting in parliament this week, I’d be there for sure!”
Together, these statements and motions reflect a growing bipartisan recognition within NSW politics that International Men’s Day provides an important platform for addressing men’s health, wellbeing and social challenges in a noted, constructive and inclusive way.