MEDIA STATEMENT
18 June 2026
As Men’s Health Week comes to a close, it’s an important reminder that looking after our health is not something we should think about for just one week each year.
As the Co-Convenor of the Parliamentary Friends of Mental Health and Patron of Grab Life By The Balls, I have seen firsthand the difference that connection, conversation and community can make in improving the lives of boys and men.
Too often, men brush things off. We say, “it’s all good” when it isn’t. We put our own health and wellbeing at the bottom of the priority list and tell ourselves we’ll deal with it later.
The reality is that too many men wait too long to seek help.
Men’s Health Week 2026 has carried a simple but powerful message: there are 101 reasons to see your GP. Two in three Australian men delay seeing a doctor when something changes with their health. If your partner or your kids were sick, chances are you would be the first one to say they should see the doctor. But when it comes to our own health, we just don’t think the same way.
That needs to change.
Whether it’s a physical concern, a mental health challenge, stress at work, relationship difficulties or simply not feeling like yourself, talking to someone is a sign of strength, not weakness.
The statistics remind us why this matters.
One in two Australian men will experience a mental health issue at some point in their lives. Seven Australian men die by suicide every day. One in four men have no close mates, while one in three experience loneliness.
These are confronting figures, but they also point us towards a solution: connection matters.
One of the most effective things men can do for their health and wellbeing is spend time with good people. Catch up with a mate. Join a sporting club. Go for a walk. Get involved in your community. Physical activity, meaningful friendships and strong social connections all play a critical role in improving both physical and mental health.
As Patron of Grab Life By The Balls, I want to acknowledge the incredible work being done by Sam Parker and the team here in my electorate on the Sunshine Coast. Their focus on mateship, connection and proactive wellbeing is helping men build stronger support networks before things start to unravel.
Men’s Health Week is also an opportunity to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions.
The message I want people to take away from this week is simple: keep talking, keep checking in and keep looking out for one another.
If you’re struggling, reach out. If you’re worried about a mate, make the call. And if you’ve been putting off that appointment with your GP, don’t stuff around, just book it.
Your health matters. It matters to your family. Your wellbeing matters. And you never have to face challenges alone.
[ENDS]
Media Contact: Brendan West – 0402 556 646 – Brendan.west@aph.gov.au
