Yesterday evening, the National Party of Australia held the first Men, Boys and Dads Forum. This event was held in Albury, in the seat of Farrer (which has a byelection coming up on Saturday the 9th of May). Similar events will be held in other parts of the country...
The Nationals turned out leading figures to kick-off this awareness-raising and listening tour: federal leader Senator Matthew Canavan (from Queensland), Michael McCormack MP (Federal Member for Riverina), and Kevin Anderson MP (NSW Member for Tamworth and Deputy Leader of the Nationals).
Today Llew O'Brien MP will be named as the inaugural Special Envoy for Men and Boys, at an announcement and press conference in Albury. The federal Opposition Leader Angus Taylor MP and the Nationals Leader Senator Matthew Canavan will make this appointment.
Llew is from the LNP - Liberal National Party in the Queensland seat of Wide Bay. Prior to entering parliament, Llew was a police officer with first-hand experience of social issues that interface with law enforcement (including domestic violence). He is happily married to his wife Sharon. Llew has two sons, a daughter, and three granddaughters.
During the Forum, Llew spoke about the disparities faced by Aussie males across health, education, suicide, and other areas. The Nationals are clearly aware of the need for changes in policy, as well as culture change (government cannot solve all of these problems). There is a strong focus from both Llew and Matt on strengthening families, supporting boys and men, and socially beneficial outcomes... Matt and his wife have four sons and a daughter.
There was very free-ranging discussion, with questions and comments from the floor (mental health, family law, child custody, occupations at-risk of suicide, lack of services for regional/remote areas). Boys To The Bush got a shout out, as did the many groups of men who meet up for regular walks, which add to many aspects of their health: physical, emotional, spiritual, social.
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