NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro tells men to make the time to check their health after his own scare

DEPUTY Premier of NSW and leader of the NSW Nationals John Barilaro owns up to putting his work ahead of his health — understandable given his obvious passion to serve. But he has a very frank and important message for other men.

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I REALLY do love my job, being a local member, a Minister and the Deputy Premier of this great state.

Travelling through regional NSW I meet some of the most wonderful communities, passionate advocates, community leaders, families and inspiring young men and women.

It inspires me to work so hard for them.

But that’s why, at times, I run myself into the ground. I can’t say no. I don’t want to let them down. I chose to do this and made a commitment. I have loved every minute of it and the privilege and commitment to serve has never been lost on me.

Deputy Premier of NSW John Barilaro admits he has put off important health checks. Picture: Kym Smith

Unfortunately, like so many others, this hard work can often come at the expense of my family, but right now it has come at the expense of my health. I just haven’t made time to deal with an ongoing health issue.

Over the past four months, I’ve been dealing with a cyst in my throat. I balanced my appointments around my hectic diary, rather than prioritise them, but now I need to deal with it.

I need to do what I preach to others: I need to put my health first.

It’s been an emotional rollercoaster ride. Not knowing what it is. Thinking the worst. Relying on Dr Google for an explanation (which everyone tells you not to do!).

Meeting specialist after specialist, CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds and blood tests, only to be left with more questions then answers.

And like many people navigating the health system, it can be daunting and tiring, especially at a time when you are emotional and scared.

Being told to see a haematologist at a cancer centre scares the socks off you and adds to the anxiety that you are already dealing with. It’s been tough thus far and the waiting game just simply torture.

I have experienced what so many others have before me, and it’s made me more aware of our health system.

The Movember Foundation flies an inflatable moustache in front of the Royal Albert Hall in London. Picture: Getty

In politics you are surrounded by so many people, day in, day out, but it can be a lonely place.
You do build friendships and you have a small group you trust, and this can cross the political divide. But you also have those that look for weakness and strike.

When word got out last week I was dealing with this issue some of my own colleagues quickly diagnosed me with cancer (though none of them are health professionals) and thought it was the right time to talk about a new leader.

Word quickly got back to me and maybe I shouldn’t have been surprised, but you realise, political friendships can be so fickle. Early on so many told me, “that’s politics”.

Well, it shouldn’t be.

This week I’ll miss Parliament, which is very rare for me because I accept my responsibility to attend sitting weeks. But I’ll be having surgery to deal with my health and that means an enforced time out.

But I’ll be back very soon. Healthier than ever, rested but energised to continue to do what I love.

But most importantly, there’s a three-year-old at home who needs a dad for a long time to come. I owe it to my daughters to make sure this state and our communities are the best they can be.

Movember is all about men’s health so here’s a small reminder to all men: don’t leave it too late, make time today and look after yourself.

John Barilaro is Deputy Premier of NSW and leader of the NSW Nationals.