Wednesday, 26 August 2026

 Luba GRIGOROVITCH (Kororoit – Minister for Youth, Minister for Carers and Volunteers) (14:18): Every young person deserves the chance to smile with confidence, to speak up in class, to laugh with their friends and to live their best lives. That is why dental care matters, and that is why a re-elected Carroll Labor government will invest in free dental care for all Victorians. For young students working and studying, money can be incredibly tight, and I was recently talking to a university student who was unable to afford a root canal treatment. She had to suffer in excruciating pain while studying and working, trying to scrape together the money for the procedure. This reform will mean that young people, young students, will not have to worry about the cost of dental treatment, especially when they need it most. It means that families delaying the treatment for their kids because they cannot afford it, working mums putting off that check-up or young tradies working through the pain – these people and many more – can now get free dental care when they need it in a clinic that is close to their home. That is the difference that this government will make.

Good oral health is about far more than teeth. It is about dignity. It is about confidence. It is about wellbeing and opportunity. When a young person has access to regular dental care they are more likely to stay healthy, attend school, participate in sport and engage fully in their community. By providing free dental care we are removing a barrier and opening a door. We are making sure that every young Victorian, regardless of their postcode or their family circumstance, can access the care that they need to thrive. Preventative care today means healthier adults tomorrow.

Let us contrast this to the approach of the One Nation–Liberal coalition. Rather than investing, they seek to cut $40 billion from health services.

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, I think it is now six times that you have ruled that ministers this week should not be using their ministers statements inappropriately, and again this minister is using their statement to attack the opposition. What is the point of the rulings?

The SPEAKER: Order! Member for Brighton, I do not appreciate reflections on the Chair. I have reminded ministers on several occasions now not to attack the opposition. If ministers cannot do their ministers statement without doing that, then they should not do a ministers statement.

Luba GRIGOROVITCH: As I was saying, rather than investing, those opposite, if elected, the One Nation–Liberal coalition –

The SPEAKER: The minister will resume her seat. I am sitting the minister down.