Tuesday, 8 September 2026

 Gary MAAS (Narre Warren South) (13:25): I was pleased to recently welcome the Premier to the Narre Warren urgent care clinic alongside the member for Narre Warren North and Cr Stefan Koomen, who is the Labor candidate for Narre Warren South. The visit was in support of the recent announcement that a re-elected Carroll Labor government will deliver 10 free dental clinics across the state. We met some of the hardworking nurses and GPs to discuss how important local urgent care clinics are for families in the outer south-east – a model, I have to say, we are seeing replicated across the country. The free dental clinics will work in the same way as these urgent care clinics that have been rolled out. You will be able to walk in and get the care you need without a bill and without an appointment.

We spoke to some fantastic dentists and nurses there. They know how vital dental health is for people’s overall health, but they also know the strain that it can put on a family household budget. For too long the cost of dental has been a barrier for people getting the care that they need. Free dental clinics will shake up that system and will provide free urgent dental care, from general check-ups to emergency situations. I know that many people across my electorate are looking forward to the dental care clinics to get the health care they need, which only a Labor government will deliver.