Tasmanian MP requests more support for men's health
Tasmanian Upper House member Mike Gaffney MLC has renewed calls for stronger investment in men’s health and wellbeing, warning that vital grassroots organisations are running on empty.
Speaking in the Legislative Council on November 4, Mr Gaffney used a Special Interest Matter speech to highlight the ongoing inequities in funding for men’s health services and the lack of structured policy support in Tasmania. This year’s national International Men’s Day theme — Supporting Men and Boys — provided a timely backdrop for his address.
“It’s clearly time, and dare I suggest long overdue, for an investment in men’s health,” he said. “Any dollar spent in men’s wellbeing is an investment in the community.”
Mr Gaffney said Tasmania was home to several effective, community-based programs that reached men where they live, including Men Care Too, Man Up Tasmania, Tassie Blokes Speak, Building Pathways and Men’s Resources Tasmania (MRT).
While some initiatives such as Men’s Sheds and the Men’s Table receive limited support, most operate on volunteer effort and goodwill. MRT, a non-profit that convenes the Tasmanian Men’s Health Network, has warned that it is struggling to sustain its work due to a lack of funding and paid positions.
“It is evident and disheartening that energy and finances to support their ongoing efforts are dwindling. MRT notes the lack of funding and paid positions mean they cannot contribute local male perspectives into consultation network meetings, forums, expos and events,” he said.
Call for State-Based Men’s Health Strategy
Mr Gaffney referenced the recent National Men’s Health Gathering 2025, held in Brisbane and organised by the Australian Men’s Health Forum, the peak body for men’s health in Australia.
The conference called for greater alignment between national and state policy, including:
- State-based men’s health policies that build on and fund the national men’s strategy.
- State-based strategies to address male suicide
- Coordinated approaches for grassroots and community-based programs that work to reach men.
“International best practice tells us one of the key areas to improve men’s access to healthcare is by developing male-friendly services,” Mr Gaffney said.
He encouraged policymakers and service providers to read the AMHF’s guide, Making Services Work for Men: A 10-Step Guide to Developing Male-Friendly Health Services, which outlines how to adapt health systems to better reach and support men.
Breaking Down Barriers
Mr Gaffney pointed out that, males experience poorer health outcomes than women across multiple indicators — including mental health, chronic disease, and life expectancy.
"The lack of male‑focused services in Tasmania further stigmatises men at a time when the call for men to open up, speak up and be vulnerable is only getting louder," he said.
In closing his speech, Mr Gaffney encouraged Tasmanians to use International Men’s Day as an opportunity to check in with the men and boys in their lives.
“It could be something as simple as reaching out to a loved one, checking in on an acquaintance, or just being there for a young male person who needs guidance or support,” he said.