Page 3700 - Week 11 - Wednesday, 23 November 2022

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(ii) 57 percent of Canberrans who die from cancer are men; and

(iii) 75.9 percent of suicides in the ACT are men; and

(b) 2021 Australian Bureau of Statistics data for causes of death reveals:

(i) two in three premature bowel cancer deaths are men (52 out of 79 deaths);

(ii) four in five premature heart deaths are men (40 out of 52 deaths);

(iii) two in three lung cancer deaths are men (33 out of 51);

(iv) the rate of male suicide in the ACT has doubled in the past five years despite the national rate staying the same; and

(v) 92 percent of suicides between the ages 25 and 44 were men;

(2) further notes:

(a) the ACT Women’s Plan (2016-2026) states that “A gender lens must therefore be applied to health care services in the ACT to differentiate between requirements for health-related matters for males, females and those of diverse gender identities”;

(b) the Capital of Equality Strategy Second Action Plan outlines initiatives to improve health outcomes for LGBTIQ+ Canberrans;

(c) there is no parallel strategy focused on improving services and initiatives for men’s health and wellbeing in the ACT;

(d) there has not been an examination of social determinants of health for men in the ACT which include education, economic security, housing issues, social and community context and healthcare; and

(e) it is important to develop strategies that promote equity and access across health and wellbeing services for men, women, and diverse gender identities; and

(3) calls on the ACT Government to:

(a) recognise International Men’s Day;

(b) develop a public health awareness campaign for men’s health and report back to the Assembly on its progress by May 2023; and

I think men are great. I have birthed one who is the most gorgeous 25 year old I know. Yes, I am biased. I have been married a couple of times and I have an amazing partner in the chamber here today. All of them have brought wonderful things into my world. Who knew it was so difficult to reverse a trailer? Well, I do now and I am learning. I am happy to say that I can also now use an angle grinder and a nail gun. My brother is an amazing man, a driven businessman and one of my greatest supporters. I have an awesome uncle who has taught me so many great things, like how to ride a motorbike, drive a car and muster sheep. I have a wonderful grandad who taught me how to be kind to animals and the land and how to milk a cow. I have many male colleagues here at work who are fun, are considerate and challenge me. I play music with a bunch of great fellows who have always had my back and I think they are all wonderful. My world would not be the same without them.

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