In February 2026, we stood before the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into Measures to Combat Right-Wing Extremism with a simple mission: to ensure that young men’s voices had a seat at the table.
Now, the final report has been released and it is clear that the stories, data, and lived experiences we shared have influenced the government’s strategy for a safer future.
Our Impact on the Findings
One of the most defining moments of our testimony came from Top Blokes Youth Worker, Hayden McCullough. Hayden didn’t just speak as a professional; he spoke as someone who knows the digital world young men navigate every day.
He shared some insights that captured the Committee’s attention: social media algorithms can begin feeding extremist content to a brand-new profile in as little as 15–20 minutes. This evidence helped the Inquiry move past the idea that radicalisation is always a sudden, conscious choice. Instead, the report now recognises it as a “gradual and relational” process, an automatic loop that exploits a young man’s natural search for humour, community and connection.
KEY influences and outcomes
- Targeting the Isolated: The report recognises that isolated young men are the primary targets for extremist recruitment, which often occurs through ‘gradual and relational’ means.
- Community-Led Funding: The Committee has recommended increased funding for community programs and social infrastructure that foster belonging – the very foundation of our mentoring model.
- Holistic Education: There is a new emphasis on the need for education programmes that build critical thinking and help young men navigate harmful online content.
The Data Behind the Change
We didn’t just bring stories to the table; we brought evidence that early intervention works.
58–69% improvement in social behaviours and connectedness.
66–75% improvement in critical thinking and decision-making.
The Inquiry recognised that these results aren’t just ‘nice-to-haves’. They are the real-world tools that stop a young man from feeling isolated and being pulled into extremist narratives. By building these skills early, we’re giving blokes the resilience they need to see through the noise.
belonging is the best defence
The “Measures to combat right-wing extremism in New South Wales: Final report” marks a turning point. It acknowledges that right-wing extremism is a social issue as much as a criminal one. It calls for more “third spaces” for young men to connect and more support for the community organisations that reach them first.
We are proud to have been the bridge between the young men in our programs and the lawmakers in Parliament. The path to a more cohesive society starts with making sure every young man feels he has a place to belong – long before he goes looking for it online.
