Decision Maker Response
Senator Richard Di Natale’s response
Jun 29, 2016 — Thanks to you all for supporting Australia's dental health.
The Greens fought for the introduction of Medicare funded dental care for children and I'm proud to say we will fight any move to end the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS).
The Greens were proud to be part of delivering Medicare-funded dental care for 3.4 million Australian children and now we want to expand the program so millions more can benefit, not cut it like the coalition has announced and as the Labor Party now appears to want to do.
Our Denticare plan will $6.6 billion over the forward estimates to provide essential dental care to millions of Australians. The Greens will protect the Medicare-funded dental care for kids we established and expand over four years to cover full benefit income support recipients, seniors and concession card holders.
Australia is at risk of an oral health crisis, with many Australians unable to afford treatment. And untreated dental disease can have serious consequences, including increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Leaving dental out of Medicare created an enormous gap in Australia's universal healthcare system.
Going to the dentist should be just like going to the GP – and your health shouldn’t be determined by your bank balance.
Our plan would help ensure that every Australian can get the dental care they need, when they need it.
Find out more at http://greens.org.au/denticare
Thanks Again,
Richard Di Natale
Leader of the Australian Greens