Tuesday, 13 August 2019

Ministers statements: school dental services

Mr ANDREWS (Mulgrave—Premier) (14:08): I am delighted to be able to update the house on the rollout ahead of schedule of the government’s free public school dental program—ahead of schedule—a fantastic program, one that we committed to at the election last year and one that we are delighted to be rolling out across all government schools over the next three and a half years. There is a fleet of dental vans which are ready to visit 22 schools in the first instance in the Box Hill, South Barwon, Cranbourne and Wodonga regions. At those 22 schools those students will receive check-ups and follow-up dental care free of charge. This program saves parents $400 per child per year.

Those opposite are not big supporters of this program; they are opposed to this, as with most things, but this is ahead of schedule and it is going to deliver the best oral health outcomes we have ever seen for children and young people across Victoria. When we think about health outcomes right throughout life’s journey, good oral health, good dental health early on, is a critical marker for the sorts of health outcomes that people have throughout their entire life. This is, as I said, a $321.9 million investment. The first 22 schools and all government schools—so about 650 000 students—will share in the full rollout of this program in 2022. The Leader of the Opposition, again, is opposed to this program. It is so very disappointing, so very disappointing—

Members interjecting.

Mr M O’Brien: On a point of order, Speaker, I am being verballed by the Premier. The point was: this government took a promise to the election that was $70 million higher. They have cut $70 million. It is another broken promise.

The SPEAKER: Order! There is no point of order, but I do ask the Premier to remember that ministers statements are not an opportunity to attack the opposition.

Mr ANDREWS: I think there are a few behind him saying much worse about him than I am. Anyway, we will not be deterred by the opposition of some. We will continue to roll this program out. It is great for kids, great for oral health, great for the cost of living and great for Victorian families.