NOTICE OF MOTION IN THE SENATE TO ESTABLISH A SELECT COMMITEE ON MEN'S HEALTH
The Member for Berowra, Philip Ruddock MP welcomed a Notice of Motion in the Senate ion by Senator Cory Bernardi to establish a Select Committee on Men’s Health.
The Select Committee on Men’s Health will be investigating general issues related to the availability and effectiveness of education, supports and services for men’s health, including but not limited to:
(i) level of Commonwealth, State and other funding addressing men’s health, particularly prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and depression;
(ii) adequacy of existing education and awareness campaigns regarding men’s health for both men and the wider community;
(iii) prevailing attitudes of men towards their own health and sense of well-being and how these are affecting men’s health in general; and
(iv) the extent, funding and adequacy for treatment services and general support programs for men’s health in metropolitan, rural, regional and remote areas.
“Many men lack awareness about the health issues they face and men have a lower life expectancy than women,” Mr Ruddock said.
“In 2002 to 2004, male life expectancy at birth was estimates to be about 78.1 years, while females were estimated to be 83.0 years.
“Over 40 per cent of all males aged over 40 years have serious health problems, which increases to about 66 per cent of men over 70 years and while initiatives such as “Movember” have had some success in raising awareness into men’s health, more needs to be done,” Philip Ruddock said.
If you would like a copy of the Men’s Health Briefing by Senator Bernardi, it can be downloaded at www.senatorbernardi.com.