Tuesday, 25 August 2026

 Anthony CARBINES (Ivanhoe – Leader of the House, Minister for Artificial Intelligence and the Digital Economy, Minister for Major Events, Minister for Medical Research, Minister for Racing, Minister for Economic Development) (14:09): I am pleased to update the house on the work the Carroll Labor government is doing to deliver on two important areas for every Victorian. On this side of the house, our world-leading medical research sector will become home to 10 free dental clinics for Victorians. Already we lead the world around our medical research. It is an amazing team out there. I was in Parkville just yesterday. The precinct has some of Australia’s top oral health research centres ‍– some 60 per cent of researchers – that work around the clock to provide world-class dental outcomes right here in Victoria. Our state already is a leader when it comes to medical research. Now we are leading the way with greater access to dental care.

Can I say further that it is why Victorians continue to support the Carroll government’s commitment to free dental care for children right through, at this time now, with our Smile Squad program. It is working very successfully, because dental health should never be determined by a family’s income. We know that every child deserves an opportunity to grow up healthy, confident and free from preventable dental pain. Through the Smile Squad, children can access free dental check-ups and get treatment through their schools, making it easier for families to get kids the care they need when they need it most. It is backed by significant investment in our public dental programs and services to make sure that essential care happens across metropolitan, rural and regional communities. A strong public health system looks like that: investing in the research that will save lives in the future and practical support today for families that need it.

That would all be under threat, though, with $40 billion of cuts to dental programs in this state. It would be under threat. I thank our researchers. I thank our health professionals and our dentists for the work that they do every day. Australians, and Victorians in particular, should know that innovation is encouraged, prevention is prioritised and every Victorian – every child – can access the health care they need when they need it most. Only the tooth fairy thinks that it would not happen – the cuts that are being proposed by those opposite. Those cuts we know will happen. It is only a Carroll Labor government that will put people first.

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, I seek your advice. I am concerned about the continual breaches of the rules of this place, whereby ministers statements are being misused in the outrageous way that they are to attack the opposition.

The SPEAKER: The minister has concluded his ministers statement. I do remind members, including ministers, about not attacking the opposition.