Skip navigation

Government appoints first Special Envoy for Men’s Health

The Australian Men’s Health Forum has welcomed the appointment of Dan Repacholi MP to the new Government position of Special Envoy for Men’s Health.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will recommend his new cabinet to the Governor-General today (Tuesday 13th May). In addition to the usual mix of cabinet ministers, outer ministry and assistant ministers, there will be seven Special Envoys, including one for Men’s Health.

The new Special Envoy for Men’s Health – Dan Repacholi MP – said on the eve of the recent Federal Election that he would support the creation of a Minister for Men.

Responding to the announcement on his social media profile, Mr Repacholi said:

“I am honoured to be appointed by the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, as the Special Envoy for Men's Health in the new Parliament.

“This role is a chance to shine a national spotlight on the unique health challenges facing Australian men and boys, from mental health and suicide prevention to chronic illness and access to healthcare services.

“Having spent much of my life representing Australia and working in regional communities, I know firsthand how important it is to engage men early, support them consistently, and build a health system that works for everyone.

“I'm committed to working closely with experts, advocates, and everyday Aussie blokes and women about how we can ensure all fellas – big or small, old or young, bearded, moustached or clean-shaven – are as healthy as we possibly can be. 

“We need real conversations, real resources, and real results, and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Glen Poole, CEO of the Australian Men’s Health Forum said:

“We welcome this appointment and look forward to working with Mr Repacholi to ensure real resources are directed towards improving the lives and health of men and boys in Australia”. 

RELATED MEN’S HEALTH NEWS


Showing 1 reaction

Please check your e-mail for a link to activate your account.

  • Ken Fenton
    commented 2025-05-13 22:26:31 +1000
    Prime Minister Albanese is to be commended for creating this new position, namely special envoy for men’s health, among his government ministers. Dan Repacholi seems a good appointment. This is a first for Australia.
    Victoria already has a minister for men, or more accurately, for changing men’s behaviour, and its scope is remedial [how to fix men so they will not hurt women]. The Victorian appointment has the welfare of women in mind, which is understandable in light of the scourge of domestic violence. What is refreshing about the Albanese appointment is that, while reducing domestic violence already has it’s own government portfolio, with this new appointment it is the welfare of men and boys that it is in mind.
    Unfortunately the common public conversation implies women are disempowered and men are doing fine. What is sometimes forgotten is that, while there are, sadly, plenty of men abusing their power, there are many more men who are also disempowered and in need of support, not least in terms of their health.
    One article reported Repacholi as saying he was reluctant to appear “anti-woman” by suggesting a minister for men. Fortunately this new appointment rejects this polarity and shows that common sense still prevails. I’d like to see the gender feud, simplistically construed as a feud between feminism and patriarchy, be increasingly replaced by a new mutualism in which all genders work together for the welfare of all.

JOIN THE MEN'S HEALTH MOVEMENT

Stay in touch with AMHF by signing up to our Men’s Health newsletters.