Nicola Roxon (Gellibrand, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Health and Ageing) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That this bill be now read a second time.

Before I commence my speech, I have a note here saying that 100 very excited grades 5 and 6 students from Carranballac College in the Deputy Prime Minister’s electorate are here hoping that Julia Gillard is going to be here to wave to them. I have to report that, unfortunately, she was here looking for you but left at five to four and asked me to acknowledge you. You are very welcome in the House. I hope you all look after your teeth well.

The Dental Benefits (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2008 makes amendments to a number of other acts, including the Medicare Australia Act 1973, the Age Discrimination Act 2004 and legislation relating to the family tax benefit part A, youth allowance and Abstudy programs.

These amendments are necessary for the effective operation of the Teen Dental Plan.

The amendments will ensure that the Medicare Teen Dental Plan does not breach the Age Discrimination Act, and ensure that the investigative powers of Medicare Australia may be exercised in relation to offences contained in the Dental Benefits Bill.

The amendments will also allow the exchange of information between Centrelink and Medicare Australia so that vouchers can be distributed to eligible families and teenagers.

I commend the bill to the House.

Debate (on motion by Mr Ian Macfarlane) adjourned.