with CATHERINE KING, SHADOW MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND MEDICARE and SHARON CLAYDON, MEMBER FOR NEWCASTLE
A Labor Government will deliver better health care to Australian men by investing $4.7 million to establish a Mobile Men’s Shed and deliver the successful Spanner in the Works program at events across the country.
This election is a choice between a Shorten Labor Government improving Australian’s health, or bigger tag loopholes for the top end of the town under the Liberals.
We need real change – because more of the same isn’t good enough.
Australian men are less likely to see a GP and are more likely to suffer from chronic disease and social isolation.
Men are also more likely to use alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, face occupational exposures and hazards, and be impacted by physical inactivity and poor diet.
For men in low socio-economic groups the statistics are even worse – men aged 25-64 years in the most disadvantaged group have a mortality rate almost double that of their female counterparts.
Around Australia, Men’s Sheds provide a space for men to come together, offer companionship and advice, learn new skills and be involved in the community.
They allow people to build things, to work together and to maintain their mental and physical health.
Labor’s investment will allow the Men’s Shed Association to establish a Mobile Men’s Shed and to deliver the Spanner in the Works program to events around Australia.
The Mobile Shed will be a converted semitrailer with two consulting suites and other facilities.
The Shed will visit events such as sporting grand finals and V8 races, with a particular focus on regional and rural events such as agricultural shows.
Nurses and other health workers will deliver men’s health checks in the Mobile Shed.
Where necessary, men will be referred to local services for follow-up care and support.
This announcement builds on Labor’s existing commitments to men’s health, including our commitment to expand the number of Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurses, as well as existing Commonwealth Budget measures – all of which Labor will deliver.
Labor can afford to spend more on health care because we’ve made the tough decisions to make multinationals pay their fair share and close unfair tax loopholes.
In contrast, Scott Morrison and the LNP have inflicted cut after cut on our health system. That’s why Australians are paying more than ever to see the doctor, and why people are languishing longer than ever in emergency departments and on elective surgery waiting lists.
If you want a fair go for all Australians – vote Labor.