Canberra federal Greens candidate Isabel Mudford spruiks free dental with leader Adam Bandt. Photo: Facebook.
The ACT Greens say that 22 new free healthcare facilities could be built in the capital over the next decade, after their federal counterparts the Australian Greens pledged to establish 18 new clinics in Canberra providing free GP, dental and mental health services.
The 18 new free clinics would be in addition to the ACT Greens’ plans to establish four bulk-billed GP centres across Canberra if the minor party leads the next local government.
The federal Greens’ promise is part of a nationwide plan to ensure Medicare covers the costs of dental services in 1000 clinics across Australia – a commitment the party will seek from Labor if it holds the balance of power after the 2025 federal election.
The Parliamentary Budget Office, an independent entity within the public service, estimates the scheme will cost $54 billion over the next 10 years.
Greens leader Adam Bandt says this cost would be funded by what he’s called ‘Robin Hood’ taxes – a six per cent annual tax on the global net wealth of the 110 Australians who are worth more than $1 billion dollars and a 40 per cent super profits tax on companies with more than $100 million in turnover in Australia.
“Currently too many Canberrans only get free healthcare once they reach hospital. In a cost of living crisis people are forced to choose between going to the doctor, paying their rent or having food on the table,” Greens’ federal candidate for Canberra Isabel Mudford said.
“People deserve better and the Greens are the only party with plans, at both levels of government, to ensure Canberrans can get free healthcare as soon as they need it and close to home.
“In 2010, the Greens secured dental into Medicare for children. It has improved the health outcomes and reduced cost of living pressures on our families. It’s time everyone has access to free dental.”
ACT Greens MLA for Murrumbidgee Emma Davidson welcomed the Australian Greens’ commitment, saying it complements the ACT Greens’ plans to establish four bulk-billed GP centres and ensure continuity of care.
“Just this week we heard that out-of-pocket costs to see a GP are rising. We must go further, faster to create a fairer health system,” she said.
Both announcements come as a report released this week indicated 32 per cent of Australian adults have delayed or avoided dental care due to the financial pressure.
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data also showed costs prevented recommended dental treatment for around one in 20 children aged between five and 17.
An Australian Dental Association (ADA) survey revealed the average cost of a check-up and clean is around $219 – a cost the AIHW survey says many Australians can’t afford.
When former prime minister Gough Whitlam introduced free healthcare through Medicare in 1974, he decided to exclude dental care from the scheme. According to former senior public servant John Menadue, he made this decision for two reasons – the high cost and the belief that fighting doctors would be hard enough without having to take on dentists too.
Greens leader Adam Bandt says it’s now time for change.
“If you have a Medicare card, you should be able to go to the dentist – just like you can go to the doctor – and use your Medicare card,” he said in a speech to the National Press Club.
“It’s critical that we expand Medicare so it covers everything, for everyone – and that includes your mouth.
“As anyone who’s ever had a toothache knows, dental care isn’t optional. It’s ridiculous that this doesn’t already exist.”
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