Newsroom

January 12, 2025

I am writing in response to your recent answer to Question on Notice No. 1174, asked on 10 December 2024.

In my question, I asked: With reference to males being grossly overrepresented in areas of disadvantage, including but not limited to incarceration rates, suicide rates, substance addiction, and homelessness — Will the Premier consider establishing a dedicated ministerial portfolio for men to help address these significant societal issues, similar to what currently exists for women?^[1]

Firstly, my question comes from a genuine position of deep concern for the men and boys across our state. As referenced in my question, incarceration rates, suicide rates, substance addiction, and homelessness continue to rise among men. Men’s mental and physical health continue to deteriorate, and the legal bias against men continues to grow across the criminal, civil, and family court systems.

Upon reflecting on your answer, I appreciate that it may very well be your expectation that all members of your Cabinet treat all Queenslanders with decency and respect. However, this does not address the significant issue of men being left behind in many respects over almost a decade under the recently ousted Labor administration. You go on to state that your Government was elected to govern for all Queenslanders and that, rather than creating a portfolio for men, your Government is focused on tackling the youth crime crisis, the housing crisis, the health crisis, and the cost of living crisis, while delivering on its 100-day plan. This occurs while a Minister for Women continues to exist in your Cabinet.

Although the initiatives your Government is focused on are important and reflect parts of the LNP’s election commitments, I believe governing for Queensland must extend beyond delivering on a 100-day plan during a four-year term. It is disappointing that such an important question, posed on behalf of Queensland men, and the women, mothers, wives, sisters, and daughters who wish to see improved outcomes for men, was disregarded with an answer that did not address the very real problems faced by men in this state.

The call for a dedicated portfolio for men acknowledges that men’s issues across the spectrum have not received the attention and focus they have needed for a long time. Labor’s approach of applying a “gender lens” to Queensland policy development solely to benefit women has been a failed experiment. Adding men to an existing ministerial portfolio could address the lack of funding and planning necessary to deal specifically with the crisis many men are facing. This approach has the potential to improve the lives of all Queenslanders.

Simply put, our men and boys are not okay. They are suffering from debilitating stress and depression. Men’s health continues to decline, leading to higher suicide rates, an increase in preventable deaths due to medical issues, higher incarceration rates, domestic violence, homelessness, addiction, and alienation from family and children. Brushing this question off with an answer that essentially says, "It’s not in our plan," sends a bleak message to every man doing it tough, that your Government believes they will be alright without your help.

Our call for a dedicated ministerial representative for men should not come at the cost of the important work that has been done to improve the lives, economic opportunities, and safety outcomes of Queensland women. Both women and men should have equal representation from their Government in policy development.

Premier, I implore you to reconsider your response to the call for a ministerial portfolio for men in Queensland. If you cannot, I ask that you outline your Government’s plan to specifically improve the outcomes for men and boys in this state.