Former Health Minister backs funding calls for men's health
A former health minister has backed calls from the Australian Men's Health Forum to increase funding for men's health in the next parliament.
The Hon Dr David Gillespie MP, who served as a Minister in the Health Department under two Prime Ministers, has committed to continuing to support "the critical issue of men's health in Australia".
In a letter responding to AMHF's 2025 Election Platform, Dr Gillespie highlighted the need for the Federal Government to prioritise men and boys' health and address the systemic gaps in Government funding to improve men's health.
In a letter responding to AMHF's 2025 Election Platform, Dr Gillespie highlighted the need for the Federal Government to prioritise men and boys' health and address the systemic gaps in Government funding to improve men's health.
He said:
"The coalition acknowledges these significant disparities in health outcomes between men and women with men dying earlier and more frequently from preventable causes. We recognise the need for targeted investments in men's health to address these challenges.
"While current funding levels are limited, we support calls for increased investment in evidence-based programs that can effectively improve men's health outcomes. I will continue to advocate for policies that prioritise men's health and address systemic gaps in funding and support."
Dr Gillespie said the Coalition had a strong record of supporting men's health initiatives, particularly the current National Men's Health Strategy, which it launched in 2019.
"The coalition acknowledges these significant disparities in health outcomes between men and women with men dying earlier and more frequently from preventable causes. We recognise the need for targeted investments in men's health to address these challenges.
"While current funding levels are limited, we support calls for increased investment in evidence-based programs that can effectively improve men's health outcomes. I will continue to advocate for policies that prioritise men's health and address systemic gaps in funding and support."
Dr Gillespie said the Coalition had a strong record of supporting men's health initiatives, particularly the current National Men's Health Strategy, which it launched in 2019.
Analysis by AMHF has found that both the Labor Government and the previous Coalition Government funded the National Men's Health Strategy at similar levels, but that funding and support for men and boys' health has not kept pace with women and girls' health.
AMHF is inviting all voters to "ask your candidates about men's health".
About Dr David Gillespie MP
Before entering parliament as a National MP for Lyne (NSW) in 2013, Dr Gillespie was a gastroenterologist for 20 years and director of physician training at Port Macquarie Base Hospital.
He was appointed Assistant Minister for Rural Health by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in 2016 and promoted to Assistant Minister for Health in 2017. He had a second spell as the Minister for Regional Health under Prime Minister Scott Morrison from 2021-2022.
Dr Gillespie is retiring from parliament and will not be standing as a candidate in the 2025 Federal Election.
For a list of candidates standing for election in the Federal Division of Lyne (NSW) see the ABC website.