The New South Wales Government has abandoned the term "toxic masculinity," stating that it risks alienating young men and undermining efforts to address harmful behavior. The decision was announced during a Budget Estimates hearing on August 27, where officials discussed the growing influence of online "manosphere" communities and strategies for engaging boys and young men.
NSW Women's Safety Commissioner Dr. Hannah Tonkin explained that authorities moved away from the phrase because it could imply that masculinity itself is problematic. "Masculinity can be a wonderful thing," Dr. Tonkin said. "It's about healthy and positive forms of masculinity and how to have those positive role models and to show boys and young men what being a good man looks like, rather than alienating them or making them feel shame in any way, because then they'll just shut down."
Dr. Tonkin's remarks highlighted concerns that some young men are disconnecting from traditional institutions and increasingly seeking guidance and community online. Nationals MLC Nichole Overall noted that young men are becoming "unmoored" from societal structures that historically shaped them. Overall emphasized the need for governments to focus on constructive engagement rather than language that might lead boys to feel blamed.
The discussions specifically addressed the rise of the manosphere, a collection of online groups often characterized by anti-feminist content and arguments that men are disadvantaged by modern social changes. Dr. Tonkin stated that positive messaging is vital to prevent young men from being drawn into these online spaces. She suggested that governments and community organizations should prioritize promoting healthy male role models and encouraging positive expressions of masculinity.
Overall added that figures within the manosphere often exploit feelings of uncertainty and disconnection among young men, exacerbating their fears and concerns. "They aggravate and build on that to make them feel that they're lesser," she said.
The shift in language reflects a broader trend among New South Wales politicians. According to Hansard records, only independent upper house member Mark Latham has used the term "toxic masculinity" in Parliament since 2024. Mental Health Minister Rose Jackson was the last government representative to use the phrase in parliamentary debates in May 2024.
The issue has gained prominence leading up to the next state election. In May, Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane advocated for politicians to celebrate "healthy masculinity" instead of labeling men as toxic. The Coalition has pledged to implement a 10-year health strategy for men and boys if elected, aiming for clear targets in reducing male suicide, strengthening prevention and early intervention pathways, supporting healthy identity development in boys, and aligning with domestic and family violence prevention priorities.