Our Men and Boys are Not Alright.

As your local Member for Hinchinbrook, I’ve been working hard to address the issues that matter most to our community. One issue I can no longer ignore is the crisis facing men and boys across Queensland.

Recently, I called on the Premier to establish a dedicated ministerial portfolio for men, similar to the one that already exists for women. This isn’t about politics, or male vs female; it’s about addressing the alarming statistics that show men are disproportionately affected by incarceration, suicide, substance addiction, and homelessness.

Everyday, I hear from men in our community who feel left behind. Mental and physical health issues are on the rise, and our legal and social systems often fail to provide adequate support. These are not isolated problems, they are symptoms of a much larger issue that requires specific attention.

The Premier’s response to my call was disappointing. He pointed to the LNP Government’s focus on tackling youth crime, housing, health, and cost-of-living crises, but failed to directly address the unique challenges men face.

While these priorities are important, they don’t excuse ignoring an entire demographic struggling to keep their heads above water. Simply put, our men and boys are not okay. Incarceration rates, suicide rates, substance addiction, and homelessness continue to rise among men. Men’s mental and physical health continue to deteriorate, and the legal bias against men continues to grow across the criminal, civil, and family court systems.

This isn’t about taking resources away from women; it’s about ensuring both men and women receive the support they need. A dedicated portfolio for men could make a real difference, providing the funding, planning, and attention required to address this crisis head-on. I have written to the Premier seeking his reconsideration of my request.

I’ll keep pushing for this change because every Queenslander deserves a level playing field and it’s time to start addressing the challenges our men and boys face.

Contributed with thanks to Nick Dametto MP Member for Hinchinbrook

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