Government’s extra $10.5 million helping hand to men

Minister for Community Services Larry Anthony today announced the Federal Government will provide $10.5 million to establish an additional 36 services across Australia to help men develop stronger family relationships.Mr Anthony said the extra $10.5 million funding over three years follows the Federal Government’s earlier commitment to provide more than $6 million over three years to help establish relationship support services that are specifically aimed at men.

“Men are highly committed to their children and their partners but when things go wrong they often find it difficult to ask for help or know where to go for help. These services should make it easier for men by making it more responsive to their needs,” Mr Anthony said.

“The initial funding, as part of the Prime Minister’s Partnerships Against Domestic Violence initiative, was used to establish 18 pilot project services for men under the Family Relationships Services Program. The additional 36 will be set up throughout metropolitan, provincial and rural areas of Australia.

“The expansion of the pilot services clearly demonstrates the Government’s commitment to address men’s needs in a practical, responsive and relevant way.

“The services will provide assistance with parenting, partner relationships and balancing work and family responsibilities.

“The specific needs of indigenous men, men from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds and men at high risk of relationship breakdown will also be met.”

The Family Relationships Services Program aims to minimise the emotional, social and economic costs associated with disruption to a family through services delivered by community based organisations.

“Today’s commitment follows the Prime Minister’s recent launch of the National Families Strategy, that recognises the importance of men having a greater involvement in family life,” Mr Anthony said.

“There is no doubting the vital role of a father in a child’s development. These pilot services will help men to continue contributing to the family, even after a relationship breakdown.”