Australia one step closer to dental in Medicare
Labor has agreed to create a road map towards universal access to dental services following 50 years of calls.
Those with the greatest need, like children or the elderly, would be prioritised under an amendment to Labor’s national platform adopted on Thursday.
Labor has agreed to create a road map for dental in Medicare. Getty
The national platform is a guiding document of the party’s values and beliefs but does not compel the government to act.
The government will have to create a bill and have it passed by parliament before it can become law.
Federal MP Fiona Phillips told the conference that dental care has been lifesaving for her as she voiced her support for the amendment.
“If it wasn’t for my local dentist, I wouldn’t be standing here today,” she said.
“Some time ago, my dentist identified a tumour in my mouth, and I think about all the people across Australia that cannot get access to basic dental care that could help them save their lives and live a good life.
“So I really support having a road map to having dental included in Medicare. It will take time, but it’s so important.”
Australians have been calling for dental in Medicare as far back as 1974, when the former Whitlam government sought to include it in Medibank (the predecessor to Medicare).
But the government ran into problems during negotiations and with the cost, eventually abandoning it.
The current system varies depending on the state or territory but typically children and concession cardholders can access free basic services like check-ups and fillings.
Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young voiced her party’s support for including dental in Medicare. AAP
The Greens have been campaigning for dental in Medicare for years, meaning the policy would likely sail through parliament if Labor put a bill forward.
“It’s going to take the government accepting that this is a system they’ve got a fund to fix because it’s worth it,” Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young told reporters on Friday.
“Looking after people’s health, looking after their teeth – Australians deserve it, and it’s worth doing.”
The Australian Institute has estimated that the government would be able to fund dental in Medicare from the revenue of a gas exports tax, as calls grow for Labor to make multinational companies pay.
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