Australians deserve proper dental care

The Australian Greens today announced that they would not be supporting the Government's motion to repeal Medicare rebates on dental care for people with chronic illness.
 
"Since it started in November 2007, the Chronic Disease Dental Scheme has helped thousands of Australians suffering from chronic health problems directly related to dental problems," said Australian Greens Senator Rachel Siewert.
 
"The Government says it is essential to close down the chronic disease dental scheme and redirect funds ($377.6 million over 4 years) to fund its Commonwealth Dental Health Programme (CDHP) - a program that will not be operational for months to come."
 
"With this motion, the Government is leaving these people with no alternative - it's 'wait and see' for sick people in dire need of support," said Senator Siewert.
 
"What happens to the thousands of people who are currently receiving help through this scheme? The Government has been unable to assure us that people currently receiving treatment will receive the same level of dental health care under the CDHP."
 
"The Greens believe it is entirely possible to fund both programs.
Instead of carrying out their duty of care to sick Australians, the Government chose to implement $31 billion of tax cuts. It's time they stood up and took responsibility for that decision."
 
"This issue is not about programs or money - it is about people with medical need. The Government is trying to force the Parliament to choose between two dental programs that benefit people in need. The Greens are not prepared to make that choice, and leave these people out in the cold," she concluded.
 
For more information or media enquiries please call Chris Twomey on 0407
725 025
senator.siewert@aph.gov.au  |  www.rachelsiewert.org.au  | www.greensmps.org.au