Graham Perrett (Moreton, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I would like to thank the member for McEwen for this motion about Men's Shed Week last week. I told him that I wouldn't mention the line 'giving them a flogging'. But I am happy to talk about something a bit more important, which is men's sheds. That's not least because I am retiring from politics at the next election and I might need to join a men's shed myself. I know my wife will definitely want me out of the house!

But, in all seriousness, last week was Men's Shed Week. I think it is an important occasion to recognise here in a great bipartisan way. Moreton has some fantastic men's sheds. There's the Yeronga men's shed. There are two right on the border at Oxley, including the St John's men's shed. All these sheds are supported by the Australian Men's Shed Association, AMSA, the umbrella organisation for more than 1,200 community sheds peppered throughout the country. More than 50,000 Aussie blokes go to a men's shed for lots of good reasons. Men's sheds are a place where men go to talk, as AMSA says, shoulder to shoulder. Men go there to work and do good for their local communities, to reconnect and to make new friendships. They give participants a sense of purpose and have a critical role in bolstering mental health. Judging from my experience when I go to men's sheds, if the government ever needs good policy advice, every MP should run their ideas past their men's shed first. They are better than a gang of prosecuting QCs; they will interrogate you about everything! They are wonderful.

Research shows us that one in five older Australians experience loneliness. A Monash University study indicated that lonely Australians aged 65 and over can feel abandoned and rejected. They also face an increased risk of dementia and cardiovascular disease, amongst other conditions. AMSA recognise that many men do not feel comfortable talking about their feelings and emotions. Many don't recognise that these things affect their wellbeing and health. They prefer to talk about the footy. AMSA lists a range of challenges that men face that may cause isolation, loneliness and depression, such as relationship breakdown, retrenchment or early retirement from a job, the loss of children or grandchildren following divorces and physical or mental illness. These are difficult to deal with on your own. Joining a men's shed assists with being productive, contributing to your community, connecting with friends and maintaining an active body and mind—all factors that help your wellbeing. The companionship offered by men's sheds works against the detrimental effects of loneliness and significant life events, such as those just mentioned, and helps to maintain wellbeing and the overall quality of life for participants. As AMSA says:

The Men's Shed movement has become one of the most powerful tools in addressing health and wellbeing, helping men to once again become valued & productive members of our community.

AMSA is funded by the Department of Health and Aged Care and has a serious focus on men's health. They've collaborated with different stakeholders to produce a range of resources and health and wellbeing programs.

Mike, from the Sunnybank District Community Men's Shed, backed up the importance of the shed for its members. Some men, Mike said, attend to work on the tools, while others enjoy the company of other people and the comradery it offers. The Sunnybank men's shed is open for their 130 members five days a week from 8 am to noon-ish. Sunnybank, like the other sheds in my area, have impressed me with their support for men seeking assistance with mental health issues. They provide a safe and welcoming space where men can come together to talk, develop useful skills and help each other. These simple actions help prevent healthcare issues.

Men's sheds have a very positive impact on local communities. Over the years, their members have created desks, toys and furniture for residential aged care, for local kindergartens, for schools and for not-for-profit organisations. They do excellent sausage sizzles too. I've seen the community spirit and mateship in action and up close for 17 years. Men's sheds across the country vary greatly in what they offer. In addition to building furniture, they may fix machinery, offer gardening, or teach computer skills or cooking.

The Albanese Labor government recognised the many benefits of men's sheds and, in the May budget, committed $6 million over two years to support them to continue and flourish. This builds on nearly $27 million of federal government funding since 2011—so it's bipartisan. The latest round will support the regional coordinators program, health and wellbeing event, shed improvements and tools and equipment. Long live our men's sheds.

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