Pensioner groups call on independent candidates to push for improved dental care
Pensioner groups in Australia have called upon independent candidates to push for improved dental services.
In light of the election result, which left no party with a clear majority, independent candidates will now play an important role in determining the makeup of the future government. The Combined Pensioners and Supernannuants Association of New South Wales is urging independent candidates, Tony Windsor, Rob Oakeshott and Bob Katter to push for the government to include dental care under the Medicare system. The group is particularly keen for ministers to consider elderly people and the vulnerable when deciding on health policies in the future.
CPSA is also pushing for a commitment for continued support of the PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme), which is an important source of support for elderly people; cuts in the scheme have been mentioned during the election campaign and groups are eager to persuade the independent ministers to campaign against cuts.
Charmaine Crowe from the CPSA said that she was urging the independent candidates to focus on the main issues, including care for the elderly and improved access to dental services across the country, during negotiations with both the labour and coalition parties. Ms Crowe said that Mr Windsor and Mr Oakeshott were keen to support the policies backed by the CPSA.
The country is heading for a hung parliament after Saturday’s election produced no clear winner; negotiations are currently underway to try and establish a stable parliament.
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