New Health Minister Focused on Improving Dental Services
The incoming Australian health minister has stated that she is committed to improving dental services.
Tanya Plibersek admitted that services were not good enough but refused to commit to the introduction of a universal dental scheme.
Talking to ABC Television, Ms Plibersek said that she was not going to make up policies on the spot but recognised that dental services are not good enough at the moment. She said she would be talking to representatives from states and territories before making any decisions and also reminded reporters that she needs to be sworn in officially as a health minister before she can make any formal announcements on the future of dental care.
Ms Plibersek was promoted to the Cabinet on Monday by Prime Minister, Julia Gillard.
Dental care has been an important issue since the coalition government was formed and the Greens have been campaigning for a new universal dental scheme, which will improve access to dental care for thousands of people. The Greens want the Labor party to commit to a new $4 billion dollar scheme in next year’s Budget after plans were scrapped this year as a result of a lack of money.
Join this Discussion
