Senate debates

Thursday, 10 August 2017

Motions

Dental Health

11:57 am

Photo of John WilliamsJohn Williams (NSW, National Party) Share this | | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that:

(i) this week is the Australian Dental Association's Dental Health Week,

(ii) this year's theme is Oral Health for Busy Lives,

(iii) 16 per cent of Australians say they don't visit a dentist because they are too busy, and 65 per cent of Australians have not visited the dentist in more than two years, and

(iv) essential oral hygiene and preventive habits, such as brushing and flossing, should be a priority of all Australian adults; and

(b) further notes that the Australian Government:

(i) is providing the states and territories with $320 million for adult public dental services through a national partnership agreement from July 2016,

(ii) funds the Child Dental Benefits Schedule which allows eligible children to access up to $1,000 worth of check-ups and treatments every two years, covering a range of preventive and basic treatment services, and

(iii) is funding the Royal Flying Doctor Service to deliver new mobile dental outreach services in rural and regional Australia.

Photo of Richard Di NataleRichard Di Natale (Victoria, Australian Greens) Share this | | Hansard source

I seek leave to move an amendment to the motion.

Leave not granted.