Australian government clashes with Green Party over dental plan
The Australian Labor Party has clashed with the Green Party over plans for a new dental system.
The Government had planned to cut tax rates for small businesses and boost savings for retirees, but the plans are in jeopardy because the Labor party agreed to a dental plan put forward by the Green Party as part of the coalition deal. Treasurer Wayne Swan said that the savings for small businesses and retirees are closely linked to a mining tax, known as the Minerals Resource Rental Tax; however, Green Party leader, Bob Brown is keen for the money to be invested in dental care.
Bob Brown wants the government to scrap the proposal for a one percentage point for small businesses and instead use the money to set up a universal dental scheme. If the two parties fail to reach a satisfactory conclusion, the plans laid out by Labor could have to be abandoned, which would be a blow for the party, as the negotiations with major mining companies have reached a successful conclusion.
Bob Brown was resolute during the initial negotiations when Labor asked the Green Party to join them in government after failing to gain a majority vote at the election; Brown is committed to improving the dental system, which has failed thousands of people across Australia in recent years.
Opposition parties have accused the government of overestimating the revenue brought in by a mining tax and say that the two parties are in cahoots over the tax incentive for businesses. Wayne Swan denied the allegations and said that the notion of a conspiracy was ridiculous; he claims that the government will now negotiate the matter in both houses of Parliament.
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