Responding to reports that more than half a million people wait more than two years for urgent dental care, Greens candidate for Riverina, David Fletcher, has joined Greens MP and health spokesperson Lee Rhiannon in calling on Premier Kristina Keneally to lobby the federal government to expand the $7.3 billion health reform package by including overhauls to dental health services.
”The NSW Premier should respond to this crisis by adding her voice to the growing call for the federal government to implement a national dental health care system," Ms Rhiannon said.
“Despite numerous warnings about the state of the nation’s dental health the response from the federal Labor government has been inadequate. The recent budget had no provision to deliver the required funding for universal dental care.
“Earlier this year the report from the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission recommended an increase in the Medicare levy to finance a universal dental scheme.
Ms Rhiannon added: “The Greens are advocating for a universal dental care scheme, operating as part of Medicare.”
Mr Fletcher stated that: “The Liberal and National parties don’t even have policies with regards to affordable dental health care, and Labor merely gives the issue lip service.
“Poor dental health is a precursor to, and contributor towards, poor overall physical health.
"The Menzies Centre for Health Policy estimates that oral disease costs the Australian economy around $2 billion in direct costs and lost productivity.
“Preventative dental care is cost effective in the long run, and will ensure that communities are healthier and more productive”, said Mr Fletcher.
“The Greens will push to ensure that dental care is part of federal Labor’s proposed health reforms when the bill reaches the senate.
"All Australians should be able to access publicly funded quality dental care”, Mr Fletcher concluded.