Turning point for men’s health: Australian Labor Party and Liberal National Coalition both commit AUD $32 million for boys and men's health

This is a game-changer: We’re thrilled to welcome a historic show of bipartisan support for men’s health, with both the Australian Labor Party and the Liberal National Coalition announcing AUD $32 million commitments to improve the health, mental health and wellbeing of Australian boys and men.

These groundbreaking commitments are a critical step forward and show a growing momentum for more focused and sustainable funding for programs aimed at tackling the urgent and long-overlooked health challenges facing boys and men across the country.

Regardless of who forms the next Australian Government, this level of commitment marks what is hopefully the beginning of sustained and targeted action to close the persistent gaps in care, support, and outcomes for Australian men.

These groundbreaking commitments include AUD $18.7 million to scale two of Movember’s most impactful, evidence-based programs to better reach men and boys across Australia:

The national rollout of Men in Mind:

• A world-first, evidence-based training program developed by Movember to support health care professionals, addressing critical gaps in how they engage and support men.
• Applying practical, strengths-based strategies, health professionals can build stronger connections, improve health outcomes, and respond in ways that genuinely resonate with men.
• Equips GPs, nurses and other health professionals with tools to build stronger connections with male patients and keep them engaged in their care.
• Addresses long-standing gender barriers that have led many men to feel misunderstood and disengaged from health services, exploring often-overlooked complexities of masculinity and how they influence men’s health behaviours.
• National rollout will train thousands more clinicians to be better equipped to create spaces where men are more likely to open up and seek support when they need it.

The expansion of Movember Ahead of the Game:

• Scaling Movember’s internationally recognised early intervention program, delivered through community sport in partnership with the AFL to reach more young Australians.
• Designed for boys aged 12-18, the program builds mental fitness, resilience and supportive peer relationships in trusted, familiar settings.
• Teaches young men to recognise distress, support their mates and adopt healthy coping strategies before reaching crisis point.
• Backed by research, MAOTG improves mental health literacy, reduces stigma and boosts team cohesion.
• With further investment, the program will expand its reach, especially in regional and underserved communities, supporting more young Australian boys during a critical stage of life.

Michelle Terry, CEO of Movember says the commitments made by both major parties of government marks a significant step toward addressing the long-overlooked health and wellbeing needs of boys and men in Australia, helping to close persistent gaps in mental health outcomes, healthcare access, and early intervention support. But it’s just the beginning.

“Australian boys and men are slipping through the cracks of our healthcare system at an alarming rate, and without targeted support, too many are missing out on the care they need.

This investment into primary care will help to equip GPs and clinicians with the tools to better engage and support men with their healthcare needs, while an investment in Movember Ahead of the Game will allow us to reach boys early—building mental fitness and resilience through the power of sport and community.

Movember welcomes this groundbreaking investment, including the overall lift in funding for our partners in health. We recognise this announcement of bipartisan support emphasises a greater focus on the health, mental health and wellbeing of Australia's boys and men.

We look forward to working with all governments and members of parliament, right across the country, to drive lasting change in men’s health—because we know that when we properly invest in men’s health, it will not only improve the lives of Australian boys and men, the benefits will ripple through their families, communities and across society.”

This commitment signals a growing recognition that men’s health is not a side issue. It’s a national priority.

We couldn’t have gotten here without your incredible support. It’s thanks to your tireless commitment that change like this is happening.

Movember stands ready to work with all members of parliament, across the country, to ensure this momentum leads to long-term impact, noting real change will come from sustained action and shared commitment to the health of Australia’s boys, men, families and communities.