[Greens-Media] Minister must sack another men's health ambassador

[Norton, Tim (Sen R. Siewert)]

Minister must sack another men's health ambassador
Wednesday 3rd December 2008

The Australian Greens today raised further serious concerns about the Lone Fathers Association's anti-women views, following the appointment of its National President Barry Williams as a men's health ambassador. 

"The Greens call on the Minister for Health and Aging Nicola Roxon to immediately replace Barry Williams as a men's health ambassador," said Senator Rachel Siewert.

"During Question Time today, the Government justified this appointment, saying they wanted a diversity of views. Is it the Government's intention to encourage anti-gay, anti-women and domestic violence denial? How does this help men's health? Of course, the Greens recognise the need for a diversity of views, but not those views that would be actively detrimental to both men's and women's health in Australia."

"The Lone Fathers Association denies the impact of domestic violence on women - in fact stating that programs addressing domestic violence 'weaken families, bias divorce proceedings and deprive children of contact with their fathers'."

"This is an organisation that recommends all men entering a permanent relationship should insist upon a pre-nuptial agreement, stating:  'Remember if she is not prepared to sign such an agreement there must be a hidden agenda'," said Senator Siewert.

"The ALP has identified this as an extreme group, with two former Prime Ministers refusing to meet with Mr Williams. In 1999, the current Minister for the Status of Women, Tanya Plibersek, expressed serious concerns about the Lone Fathers Association, saying: 'Remember that this is the group that refuses to believe that women experience domestic violence more often than men'.

"Minister Plibersek then stated that she was proud to belong to the ALP because it refused to deal with extreme groups such as the Lone Father's Association. I wonder how proud Minister Plibersek is now?"

"Despite grave concerns about two of the Minister's appointments, the Government is still refusing to make clear the selection process used for the high-profile and important role of men's health ambassadors," concluded Senator Siewert.

For more information or media enquiries please call Tim Norton on 0418 401 180