Bandt announces new portfolios, elevates dental health

Leader of The Australian Greens Adam Bandt MP has announced new portfolio allocations, including the creation of a new portfolio of Dental Health, which will focus on the Greens’ long-held goal of ensuring that all Australians have fully funded dental care provided through Medicare.
“I’m excited to announce our new portfolio allocations, especially the creation of a Dental Health portfolio, which will be held by Sen. Sarah Hanson-Young,” Bandt said.
“Getting dental into Medicare is unfinished business for the Greens. In the 2010 power-sharing Parliament we secured Medicare dental for 3.4 million children and now we want it for everyone else too.
“The Green New Deal is about universal services and high on the list is affordable dental care for everyone.”
“Too many people put off going to the dentist because it is too expensive. This doesn’t just lead to dental problems getting worse, it can lead to other health problems too, which is bad for people’s health and bad for the federal budget.”
“Having good teeth is also a social justice issue, as bad teeth can make it harder to get a job.”
“It’s a national disgrace that many Australians can’t afford dental care and I know that Sarah will put all her energy into getting dental into Medicare.
“Sarah is a great campaigner who will help make sure that every Australian knows the Greens have a plan to get dental into Medicare.”
The new Dental Health portfolio comes in addition to Sarah Hanson-Young’s existing roles, including Environment & Water. The full list of portfolio allocations can be found at this link