The Nationals are committed to addressing the unique issues facing men, boys and fathers, and are pleased to announce the appointment of Wide Bay MP Llew O'Brien as Shadow Special Envoy for Men and Boys.
Mr O'Brien said the new position was a privilege, enabling Australian men to overcome entrenched disadvantage and new and emerging challenges where men and boys are falling behind.
"Men's health and mental health are enormous issues; men die younger from preventable diseases and at much higher rates of suicide, which means men, their families, and Australia are losing too many potential happy and productive years of life," Mr O'Brien said.
"Advocacy for women's issues is inspiring, and, like the wonderful work addressing disadvantage for women and girls, Australia can't accept a business-as-usual approach to male disadvantage in policy areas like life expectancy, chronic disease, suicide and education."
It comes after The Nationals hosted a Men, Boys, and Dads Forum in Albury to address the issues that are often overlooked.
Nationals Leader, Matt Canavan, said men and boys were facing real challenges in all aspects of life, such as health, family law, education and the workforce, but too often these issues go unaddressed in the public debate.
"Last night's forum was a fantastic chance to catch up with the people of Albury to speak frankly about the unique challenges that face men, boys and dads," Senator Canavan said.
"Our farmers are doing it particularly tough right now and they are not helped by insensitive government policies that make farming harder.
"But there are issues across all areas and all ages - men's health doesn't discriminate.
"It is vital men and boys can access the services they need.
"This is why the Coalition is appointing Llew O'Brien as the Shadow Special Envoy for Men and Boys. Llew will be tasked with developing a comprehensive approach that ensures that our brothers, sons and dads are not left behind.
"Before entering Parliament Llew was a cop and saw the consequences of men and boys going off the rails. I know he cares deeply about people. It is why he got into politics and he was made for this role."
Nationals' candidate for Farrer, Brad Robertson, said the challenges facing men too often go unspoken.
"We heard real stories, real struggles, and statistics that highlight a serious and ongoing health crisis," he said.
"After 29 years in the Army, I have seen firsthand the physical and mental pressures men carry. One thing is clear, we need more open conversations, stronger support networks, and communities willing to step up."
Mr O'Brien worked as a police officer for more than 15 years. He has previously spoken about his experience of living with post-traumatic stress disorder, after serving as a traffic accident investigator.
The Nationals have also announced a $200 million 'Healthcare Build to Last' package, which would include $15 million for Farrer's first walk-in Medicare Mental Health Centre, a dedicated farmer mental health specialist and a new Headspace centre.
