Dental Health

The Australian Greens today called for the government to split its private health reforms so that bills to means test the private health insurance rebate and the Medicare levy surcharge could be voted on independently.

“One of the key goals of health policy is to deliver healthcare to those who most need it at the lowest possible cost,” said Greens’ health spokesperson Dr Richard Di Natale.

Greens’ spokesperson for dental health, Senator Richard Di Natale, said today that Tony Abbott recognises the need for dental reform, but his plan is to delay action for at least a decade.

“Yesterday Tony Abbott was singing from the Greens’ song sheet when he spoke of the need for Medicare funded dental treatment. The difference is, we are committed to action.

Greens’ spokesperson for health, Senator Richard Di Natale has congratulated Tanya Plibersek on her appointment as Minister for Health, but has cautioned her on dental reform.

“I very much look forward to working with Minister Plibersek and I am pleased to see that she has flagged dental reform as a priority for the government.

“We agree with Minister Plibersek that the Chronic Disease Dental Scheme needs reform, but I would caution the Minister against trying to close down the scheme.