Tuesday, 25 August 2026

 Ben CARROLL (Niddrie – Premier) (14:05): Labor believes in a simple truth: if you need health care, you should get health care. And getting care should not mean having to raid your superannuation or take out a loan. For too many working families that is exactly what is happening when it comes to dental care. They are putting off check-ups. They are ignoring aches. They are living with pain because they are paying other bills first. Every year 10,000 Victorians access their superannuation early to pay for dental care, taking out on average $25,000. That is why our Labor government will make dental care free for all Victorians. We will open up 10 free public dental care clinics, including three in regional Victoria. They will be open to adults and children every day at no cost. This means abscess treatments, root canals, extractions and fillings will occur. They will treat more than 100,000 Victorians every year. But 10 clinics are just the beginning. We know that when it comes to supporting working families those opposite tell them to fend for themselves. Labor steps in and solves their problems.

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, ministers statements are not an opportunity for the Premier to attack the opposition.

The SPEAKER: The Premier will come back to his ministers statement.

Ben CARROLL: Labor is building the services hardworking Victorians need, like free dental care. This will change lives. This is what Labor governments do.