"3.23 The committee received a large number of submissions about the specific issue of family breakdown and its impact on fathers, who are denied, or have only very limited, access to their children, particularly boys. Clearly, judging from both the individual submissions and those from organisations such as Dads in Distress and Dads4Kids Fatherhood Foundation, this has been a long running issue which, despite reforms to the Family Law and to the procedures of the Family Court of Australia continues to cause immense distress.
3.24 With regard to the health of men in this situation, it is clearly important that they are provided with support after the finalisation of their matter before the court. Many men will need to rebuild their lives, to make new living arrangements, sometimes to find new employment and to adapt to the new relationships with their children, no matter how unsatisfactory they may consider their situation to be. These can be demanding and stressful undertakings. It is very important, therefore that they have access to advisory and counseling services that can help them through this period.
3.25 It is well understood that certain groups in society are at greater risk of developing mental health problems. In Australia, in addition to men who have experienced family break down and loss of contact with children, the incidence of mental health problems rises in rural and regional areas, particularly among Indigenous men, among men from low socio-economic backgrounds, and is also particularly prevalent among Defence force personnel who have served in conflict zones.[24]"
Gay men have also been stigmatized in a similar context to the controversial document , "21 reasons Why Gender Matters" which described same sex couples as mentally ill and more likely to engage in acts of child sexual abuse. Gay men are now described as more likely to take drugs and contract sexually transmitted diseases.
"Gay men
2.95 The committee received some comment on the health of gay men, which has both similarities to and distinct differences from that of the broader community. Gay men are significantly more likely to smoke and use drugs and to exhibit symptoms of anxiety and depression. Gay men also have a higher incidence of HIV/AIDS, various sexually transmitted diseases and some cancers.
2.98 It should be remembered that the constructive and cooperative response of the gay community to HIV/AIDS enabled Australia to respond to that health threat quickly and effectively with the result that HIV/AIDS has been managed very successfully in this country."
Barry Williams might have been able to retract his statement, but clearly his sentiments have made it through. Perhaps the committee could be renamed as, "White supremacist men committee". Some of the comments made on the petition to remove him off the committee were:
"Mr Williams' views on homosexuality are disgraceful and he should not be in a position to influence decision making."
"Men's health issues are as important as those of women or children or any other 'group' in society. However anyone who is going to advise the government on the interests of one particular group can't do so at the expense of others, and that is precisely what having the wrong people with the wrong attitudes in powerful positions will do."
"As a grandmother who has watched the continuing harassment of my daughter and grandchildren with no help or acknowledgement by the law, the government or Family court, I am inceasingly distressed by the comments made which reinforce the rights of fathers but disregard the responsibility that should come with rights. My family continue to suffer accordingly and I see no end to the continuing distress. Mr Williams statements are highly predudiced and show no understanding of what really happens."
"I think it is disgusting that Nicola Roxon appointed this homophobe as a "health ambassador" - especially since young gay males are over-represented in the suicide statistics in this country."
"It is completely unacceptable that a homosexuality denier, who has supported a publication which attacks homosexuals with no credible research justification, should be in the publically responsible position of being an ambassador for men's health. He should be replaced with another indigenous candidate who can accept diversity in the community, and who has not promoted discredited, hurtful and alienating lies about gender and sexuality."
"Homophobia is a serious problem in our society and something should be done about it. It is a basic human right that we respect other people's orientaions. Having someone in public office who is providing the wrong role model for our children is a NO. I don't want my children to grow up homophobic."
"Prejudice has no place in services to assist women and men."
"As a gay man I am deeply offended that the government I voted for, and which passed legislation to reduce discrimination in the law against gay men, should place this anti-gay man in the men's health committee."
"This is utterly appalling and highly inappropriate. Nobody with a discriminatory agenda should be validated by any act of government."
"Please ensure that the men you appoint are not homophobes, misogynists or bigots"
"Men with extreme views on homosexuality and violence against women have no place in a health advisory position."
"Tolerance still says there is something to be tolerated. Gay men and all other me who have sex with men need support and nurturing to be the best we can be. This is the type of Health Ambassadors we need."
"Get rid of homophobia!"
"I support the Rudd Labor Government beacuse I was under the impression they supported tolerance and human rights. It is against the law to discriminate against people on the basis of sexuality. How then can Roxon appoint two law breakers on her committee? I am disgusted by the decision in the first place but also the fearful and pathetic choose to keep a zealot like Barry Williams there."
"As a Labor party member and someone who has worked in the government sector I am very concerned that two men who clearly are not inclusive have been appointed to this important taskforce. Both as the daughter of a man who developed an incurable cancer from easily curable stomach ulcers and as a person who believes in inclusion and equality I think these appointments are disgraceful."
"Please also include an openly gay man who can represent the gay community."
"The appointment of Warwick Marsh and Barry Williams is contrary to improving mens health.
"Homophobia must be purged from government - not endorsed."
"The appointment of Mr.Marsh and Mr Williams to the Mens Health taskforce is ludicrous. These men do not represent the interests of all men or all men's health issues. Their person beliefs on subjects of gay and lesbian people clearly should prohibit their appointment. For the governemnt's credibility please remove these homophobes immediately"
"Please reconsider the choices made for these roles - in light of the literature produced by these men I have no confidence that they will work in the best interests of Men's Health."
"Nicola Roxon is a big disapointment. Her judgement is clearly poor and her ideology is spurious. She should resign as well."
"Nicola - i can't believe that this has happened. You have become one of our best politicians and ministers. I know you will be shocked by this so please fix it as soon as possible and remove these very dangerous men."
"Denigrating fellow Australians, is totally unaustralian"
"there is no room for the promotion of any sort of discrimination by anyone,especially one attached to the federal government."
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