Government supporting men and their families

A national telephone counselling and referral service aimed at providing assistance and support to men and their families was opened today.

The Minister for Family and Community Services, Senator Kay Patterson, today opened Men’s Line Australia’s new call centre in Footscray, Victoria.

“The Howard Government believes strong families are an essential element of a healthy society and this is reflected in the range of services available for men and their families,” Senator Patterson said.

“Services such as Men’s Line Australia have set a new standard in delivering practical and effective support to Australian men in order to improve both individual and family outcomes.

“In recognition of this success the Howard Government announced in the 2005-06 Budget a threefold increase in funding for Men’s Line Australia to $2.8 million each year over the next four years.

“The service provides telephone counselling and referral services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to men seeking to manage their relationships with partners, ex-partners and children.

“It is also available to support other family members who are concerned about the wellbeing of a son, husband, brother or father.

“The increased funding to Men’s Line Australia is another example of the Howard Government’s commitment to ensuring support is available to men and their families,” Senator Patterson said.

Men’s Line Australia can be contacted on 1300 78 99 78 (for the cost of a local call) or visit their Men’s Line Australia website at www.menslineaus.org.au. Calls from mobile phones will be charged at mobile phone rates.