Senator Warns Men Are Caught Between Ideological Extremes as Wellbeing Declines

Governments and political leaders are increasing their focus on men’s health as worries over wellbeing and harmful online influences deepen.

Nationals Senator Matt Canavan during Senate Estimates at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on Oct. 8, 2025. AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

National Party Leader Matt Canavan believes Australian men and boys are “squeezed between two extremes” in an increasingly polarised world, while facing health and mental wellbeing challenges at high levels.

The senator recently spoke out about what he sees as a major concern for men growing up in Australia, following the federal opposition appointing Liberal National MP Llew O'Brien as shadow special envoy for men and boys on May 1.