Tuesday, 25 August 2026

 Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Health, Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ambulance Services, Special Minister of State) (12:14): The Victorian Labor government has a strong track record of stepping in and stepping up to fight for working people and their health. We did this with urgent care clinics, we did it with free fertility programs and we are doing it again with free access to dental care. Over the weekend the Premier announced the Labor government will open 10 free dental clinics across Victoria, a $230 million investment that will deliver structural cost-of-living –

Members interjecting.

The PRESIDENT: I will reset the clock if people continue.

Ingrid STITT: From the top, President?

The PRESIDENT: Yes. The clock has been reset.

Ingrid STITT: The Victorian Labor government has a strong track record of stepping in and stepping up to fight for working people and their health. We did it with urgent care clinics, we did it with free public fertility care and we are doing it again with free access to dental care. Over the weekend the Premier announced the Labor government will open 10 free dental clinics across Victoria, a $230 million investment that will deliver structural cost-of-living relief. With dental not covered by Medicare, we know too many Victorians find it hard to access the care that they need, and we know dental care is critical to your health and wellbeing. At these new clinics up to 100,000 Victorians a year will be able to receive free check-ups and treatment, including procedures like fillings, root canals and extractions. They will deal with the most urgent cases first, and they will be targeted in areas of high need – no appointments, no bills and no need to suffer alone.

Free dental needs a strong workforce. That is why we are backing in our dental reforms with almost $13 million in workforce packages. Our investment will include career pathway development, clinical scholarships, traineeships and relocation support. This builds on the almost $240 million investment in public dental this year alone, an investment delivering public dental care at over 40 services across the state and free dental care for kids at school.

Those opposite have made their priorities clear. They will cut $40 billion from the state budget, and you cannot do that without cutting health services. You definitely cannot do that and deliver free dental – and we will.