As an independent candidate in the seat of Aston, I am advocating for free dental services to be included under Medicare.  I need everyone’s help – even if you are not in Aston, go to my page (andrew4aston) and follow the page.  It is time the people know the importance of dental on Medicare.

Currently there are a number of sub programs such as the Cleft Palate Scheme which provides some free dental services in some circumstances for some people.

Why am I supportive of this?

In 2004, my wife Natalie and I foundered ozED – Australian Ectodermal Dysplasia Support Group (www.ozed.org.au).  One of the more common aspects of this rare genetic condition is that people (children) do not develop all of their teeth, and for some, when they do, they are misshaped.  Ectodermal Dysplasia is a condition that is recognised under the Cleft Palate Program.

For the past 21 years, one of the biggest stressors for families and people with Ectodermal Dysplasia is the cost of dental.  Whilst you would expect that the Cleft Palate Program covers the costs of dental treatment, the reality is that is does not! 

Current gaps in the systems!

Many children with Ectodermal Dysplasia will need dental implants. The Cleft Palate Program covers the cost of the titanium screw but does not cover the cost of the actual structure (tooth) on the screw – the expensive bit.  Fortunately for some families, some state health schemes will help, but that is not the case for all states.  In most states, the dental schemes are run through children’s hospitals and once the child reaches 18 years, they are then moved into the adult PRIVATE system.

Can we afford it?

Adding dental to Medicare will be expensive.  In Australia, most mining and natural resources companies pay little to no income tax.  They pay little to not Natural Resources Tax.  I propose that if Australia was to introduce a mining tax, even at 2/3^rd the rate of Norway (78%), we would have enough revenue for this and so much more (better education, mental health, free university, and environmental projects), and we would still be returning a surplus budget.

This is achievable for all Australians – not just those fortunate enough to have a disposable income to allow dental treatment.

Authorised by Andrew Williams, PO Box 2687, Rowville, Victoria, 3178.