Mainstream media often blithely dismisses viewpoints or ideas from what it considers unfashionable or undesirable sources.
I experienced another example of it recently, when a successful initiative I have driven in South Australia was brushed off and disparaged, simply because of its connection to One Nation.
For the second year running, I organised an International Men’s Day charity fundraiser and celebration in Adelaide. Staging this event has been a natural progression, given my advocacy for men and men’s issues since being elected to the South Australia Upper House in 2022.
I firmly believe men get a raw deal in modern Australia, with the sins of a few unfairly consigning all to the shame file. I’ve repeatedly called for the South Australian government to establish a portfolio for men, as part of my mission for society to occasionally break free from the gloom and doom stats on men, and instead focus on their enormous contribution to society.
Firstly, it’s important to know that during the final sitting block of 2024, my motion to acknowledge International Men’s Day and recognise the many positive things men bring to the world was supported by both the SA Labor government and the SA Liberal Opposition.
I’m rapt to say it’s now off to the Lower House and I count this a major win.
During my speech to Parliament when calling the motion to a vote, I outlined an on-air conversation between 5AA’s David Penberthy and Will Goodings, including reading out these quotes from Penberthy, replete with cliched criticism of One Nation, built on inaccuracies:
‘It’s this International Men’s Day thing. It’s not like a sort of, you know, ban all immigrants or abolish native title event … but it’s One Nation organised by Sarah Game MLC. She has thrown in her lot with this International Men’s Day event, which is something which, as a bloke, I’ve got to say I find it’s a bit dubious.’
And he continued:
‘Maybe when a bloke gets murdered once every four days by his partner we should start thinking seriously about it.
‘Or maybe when men won’t go to court in the event that they have been sexually assaulted because they don’t want to go through the process of giving evidence about their female attacker.
‘When men have to grapple with issues like that, maybe then we need International Men’s Day. Until then, maybe we don’t. That’s just my opinion. Many will disagree, but I don’t think too many of them are female though.’
Wow. Where to start?
My sold-out 2024 International Men’s Day event featured an array of outstanding and emotive guest speakers, attracted support from all sides of politics (the SA Health Minister even attended), from all walks of life, and from both genders – and it benefited the charity Lifeline.
It was apolitical yet these two commentators couldn’t see beyond their own biases to acknowledge its worth.
Would it have been so airily dismissed had its proponent been a different political party, or even one of the local AFL clubs?
No matter. The motion is through and the message sent.
