Victorian MPs back International Men’s Day
Tim Richardson MP, Victoria’s Parliamentary Secretary for Men's Behaviour Change, gave “a big shout to everyone on International Men's Day” this year.
The Labor MP said that International Men’s Day is “a chance for us to reflect on the contribution of men and boys in our community, from checking in on your mates and supporting their mental health and wellbeing, to the contributions they make as role models across our community as well”.
Mr Richardson also gave a nod to the International Men’s Day launch of the new Parliamentary Friends of Healthy Masculinities in Canberra, saying:
“As Parliamentary Secretary for Men's Behaviour Change, that is a great initiative as we support one another, to support men and boys to be the best versions of themselves ... in their health, in their wellbeing, in supporting their friends and family.”
In conversation with his Parliamentary colleague and Labor backbencher, Paul Mercurio MP, Mr Richardson added:
“Today is particularly important because it is International Men's Day, where we recognise the contributions of men and boys in our community, celebrate them as the leaders and champions that they are, and to support their mental health and wellbeing. So it's a big day Paul. It's a big day."
Mr Mercurio, who lost his brother to suicide, had shared his personal experience of suicide loss in the chamber earlier in the week saying:
“Yesterday was my brother Michael's birthday. He would have been 61. Sadly, he took his own life 25 years ago. He's much missed and much loved and always will be. Suicide is a cold, lonely, and terrible place to be. It's okay not to be okay. If you are having suicidal thoughts, there are people and organisations out there that can and will help you, and I urge you to reach out."
Paul Mercurio MP (left) and Tim Richardson MP record an International Men's Day message on Facebook.
Mr Richardson reflected on his colleague’s experience saying:
“You know, we always remember. But I think it's important on this day to talk about, as you were saying, men's health and men's mental health. If you are struggling, there are lots of people out there that are there to help you and to support you. And as men, I think we often kind of don't get down into the nitty-gritty at times, do we?”
“And if we showed the same love and compassion for our friends, our family, we'd reach out and help straight away. But the love of self, we're still going on a journey as lads. And so that's the big challenge, is to seek that help and support.
“And as you've shared with your lived experience, Paul, with your family, we need to be there and support one another. And when men reach out for that help, meet them where they're at and support them. So it's so critical a day like this.”
Mr Mercurio agreed, adding:
“Absolutely, and tomorrow I'm doing some work on victims of sexual assault. And one of the things about that and being sexually abused is that people keep secrets. But I think it's the same with people who are suicidal and who are struggling. And that's the same with men. Men keep secrets. They're not big talkers. So really, I encourage men to get out there and talk."