Kellie Sloane vows to tackle men's mental health crisis to save 'lost boys'
New NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane has declared men's mental health a top priority, warning of a “generation of lost boys” falling through cracks.
Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane has vowed to tackle the men’s mental health crisis to stop a “generation of lost boys” falling through the cracks.
Ms Sloane has labelled men’s health one of her top priorities as Liberal Leader, declaring she would tackle the “huge disparity” between men and women on health outcomes.
Calling for measurable targets to improve male health outcomes, Ms Sloane said that the government “cannot forget about our boys and men”.
“As a mum of teenage boys it’s an issue close to my heart, but as the shadow health spokesperson, I noticed a huge disparity between men and women when it comes to health outcomes,” she said in an interview with DTTV.
“Men are more likely to die early than women … they’re twice as likely to have heart attacks, they’re more likely to be in prison, (and) they’re more likely to be homeless.”
Ms Sloane suggested medical students should get special training on how to speak with men before graduating as GPs, and called for a “comprehensive” new strategy to help men get the help they need.
“We have a young generation of lost boys who are suffering from mental health issues, who are suffering from physical health issues,” she said.
Of particular concern, she said, was suicide rates among young people.
Suicide is the learning cause of death for both men and women aged 15-44.
Ms Sloane said the increased focus on men’s health should not come at the expense of women.
“When men are happy and when they’re healthy, their wives, their sisters, their mothers, they’re happy too,” she said.
She left the door open to appointing a “special envoy” for men’s health – a role held at the federal level by Labor’s Dan Repacholi.
“We should at least have KPIs around men’s health outcomes.”
In 2018, then-Health Minister Brad Hazzard delivered a NSW government “framework” to improve health outcomes for men.
Ms Sloane said that in the years since, this strategy has “gathered dust” and needed updating.
“There must be a focus … about how GPs treat men and boys,” she said.
“This is an area that it’s close to my heart, but it’s also very important for our broader community.”
Men’s life expectancy is about four years lower than women, with men more likely to die prematurely.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found in 2022 that men are also more likely to be overweight, smoke, and drink.
They were less likely to visit a doctor, including for their mental health.
Ms Sloane has been hesitant to unveil major policy initiatives since taking over the Liberal Party leadership last week.
She will not preside over her first meeting of shadow cabinet until next month.
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Originally published as Kellie Sloane vows to tackle men's mental health crisis to save 'lost boys'
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