Thursday, 30 May 2024

Western Victoria Region

Bev McARTHUR (Western Victoria) (12:57): (912) My constituency question for the Minister for Health comes from a constituent in South Barwon – lacking a local member at the moment, but anyway – and it concerns the installation of incontinence bins in male public toilet facilities. 1.34 million Australian boys and men live with incontinence, but for those who use incontinence products there are very few – or no – places to swiftly dispose of them. There are several reasons as to why men may experience incontinence, such as post surgery; older age; diabetes; cancer, including prostate, bowel or bladder; and the list continues. This widespread issue is not often talked about due to the shame and embarrassment that many men and boys feel. It is important for us to support them, just as we do for women when we provide sanitary bins. Minister, will you afford men the dignity in public bathrooms by supporting the installation of disposable bins for incontinence products in male public toilets?