07 Novenber 2007
Dads in Distress
MEDIA RELEASE

Dads in Distress Inc. commends the ALP (Australian Labour Party) on it's announcement to develop a National Men's Health Policy:

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DIDS has advocated for a National Men's Health Policy for over eight years, and will continue to support and lobby whichever government is in power to bring such a policy to fruition. DIDS sees this as an essential step toward improving the health of Australian males.

In particular, DIDS advocates on behalf of men who have or are going through the trauma of family and relationship breakdown, divorce or separation, for improvement in services which address the psychological and emotional needs of men.

External factors such as:

1. the practice and legislation of Family Law,

2. the Child Support system (despite recent improvements),

3. poor legal, mental health, and social service provision for men going
through relationship breakup, as well as

4. the pressure of societal expectations on men's behaviour

are important issues which need to be considered when addressing the health risks of men experiencing relationship breakdown.

Research supports the view that level emotional and psychological health is often reflected in an individual level of physical well being. A holistic approach, inclusive of physical, social, psychological and spiritual factors, needs to be adopted in response to improving Men's Health in Australia.

Middle aged males are over-represented in suicide statistics, and research clearly indicates that men experiencing relationship breakdown are at a higher risk of considering and acting on suicidal thoughts, than the general population. We can provide better services and more adequately support men going through relationship breakdown. DIDS will proactively seek to address this issue in any policy on Men's Health.

Contact:
Tony Miller
Founder Director DIDS
02 6652 8113
04 2210 5855

Tony after reading the posted article I found it lacking of commendation least not representative of the external factors you have mentioned.

Although the idea of " Super Clinic " may be ideal for those in large suburban area's or cities it does no take into account country area's where a lack of medical professionals and services is currently prevalent.

As I am sure DID's will act pro actively no matter which government is in power on issues concerning men.

Can you please explain what DID's is commending from the said article.

As I have no political alignment at this point the information I seek is simply to educate myself towards forming an opinion and decide which party will best represent the Australia I would like to see represent my personal situation.

Regards D4E

D4E, We are in no way endorsing the Labor Party simply the idea of a National Mens Health Policy. We are pleased someone, Anyone has finally looked at the concept, we agree, simply stating there is more to mens health then prostrate cancer, bowl cancer or "go see a doctor". In other words the Super Clinic as you put it. $87 Million was spent on the DV campaign alone, How much on men ? you tell me. It is simply about time some party, any party, thought about what is happening to men in this country and actually put a policy together. Which party that is.Your guess is as good as mine. Although I will say you have a dids man over there running for the senate Ed Debrowski, I was fortunate enough to hear him speak in Sydney the other day, he is a man of heart, maybe you should look him up. He is the director of the Shared Parenting Council.

Thanks for your answer Tony.

I couldn't simplify it to what party is the controlling party of our fine country and I have the utmost respect for the pioneers that have brought us this far.

I live in the hope that laws become applied to put parents on equal footing for those who choose to be part of their childrens lives and encourage all parents to share responsibility and time with their children.

Anything to equalise the status quo of both sex's is undoubtedly a step forward and indeed noteworthy.

I was very careful not to use the word " endorsement " in my post as I was to point out that I am aware DID's has no political alignment.

The term " Super Clinic " was coined from the article that the thread lead to, the article itself seems to be aimed towards the aging population, which is of course an extreme bonus for those in this area as it will no doubt improve quality of life.

I guess my question should have been " Are you aware of any introduction of policy that may improve facilities to the majority of men who's health suffer from the destructive breakdown of relationships ? "

I revisited the sight and followed the link to women issues to see what policies are there which are similar to the article published with additional issues taken into consideration being financially supported just as expected I also looked up on the same sight articles on family law etc.

I am aware of Ed Debrowski and his untiring commitment that he gives so much to, and he will get my preference with full appreciation for his commitment.

But in concerns I have to ask to any member or politician who reads the post " Does this article satisfy your concerns about Family ? "

Thanks D4E and I guess my answer to your questions is a BIG NO. regards Tonym