In a world first, the second most populous state of Australia has appointed a Minister for Men and Boys (Paul Edbrooke) who will sit alongside the Minister for Women and Girls (Gabrielle Williams). In addition to being highly important as a symbol of equality of the sexes, this portfolio provides a focal point for addressing the disparities that are being faced by males. This is an historic change, it catches up with where the community has already moved to, and it does demonstrate leadership.
The Victorian government appointed Tim Richardson as Parliamentary Secretary for Men’s Behaviour Change in May 2024. This announcement was derided and criticised by many, as being patronising to males and politically driven. In December 2025, this role was expanded to cover Men’s Health and Wellbeing… And just under two years since the first acknowledgement of males by the leftist Labor government of Victoria, their Ministry contains an actual Minister for Men and Boys.
It’s understandable that Paul Edbrooke’s appointment as Minister for Men and Boys has been met with a huge amount of scepticism and cynicism. The Victorian government has been one of the most overt supporters of female empowerment across the country. They have been the biggest funder of the Man Box research undertaken by Jesuit Social Services during the last half a dozen years. The acknowledgements page of the Adolescent Man Box report in November 2025 says “We acknowledge women, allies and pro-feminist organisations who have worked for decades to improve gender equality”. Many of the passionate advocates for men and boys would not consider the Victorian government to be friendly.
Over the past five years, the Victorian Government has delivered limited male-specific policy. Most initiatives (in mental health, education, and family violence) are gender-neutral or women-focused. Some indirect benefits include mental health funding, suicide prevention, and apprenticeships. However, there has been no coordinated strategy for men and boys, and minimal targeted programs addressing male suicide, educational decline, or father engagement…
During the last year, the Democratic Governor of California (Gavin Newsom) has been a leader on men and boys, with early-stage actions such as: issuing an Executive Order that targets reductions in male suicide, improved mental health, lifting education outcomes, and better workforce pathways; directing agencies to address disconnection, loneliness, and service gaps for boys and men; convening leaders this year to develop a statewide strategy for boys and young men. Throughout these positive changes, he has been derided by many observers who care deeply for males, because his politics contrast wildly with their own.
Now is not a time for nihilism or whining. Take a look at the press conference from yesterday, the newly installed Minister for Men and Boys is standing alongside the Premier (Edbrooke is literally on Allan’s right, he is her “right-hand man”). Paul Edbrooke is a genuine hero, having saved lives and serving his community for decades, with real-life experience as a teacher and as a firefighter.
Today we celebrate the world-first appointment of a Minister for Men and Boys. Tomorrow we press the Victorian government, the Special Envoy for Men’s Health, and every other decision maker for concrete improvements for males (with positives spill overs for our society): reducing male suicide through targeted programs that demonstrate empathy for men and boys; fairer health funding and services that are tailored for the needs and preferences of men; lifting education outcomes for boys and young men across literacy and school completion as well as boosting male teacher numbers (especially in primary schools).
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