Queensland government rules out forcing councils to fluoridate drinking water

Queensland's top health officials have hinted at a shared disappointment over the Gympie council's fluoride ban, but say there are no plans to force the matter.

Qld’s Health Minister Tim Nicholls (L) and Chief Health Officer Dr Catherine McDougall (R) have responded to widespread backlash over the controversial Gympie Council decision to stop fluoridating its drinking water.

Two top Queensland health officials have responded to widespread backlash over the controversial Gympie Regional Council decision to stop fluoridating its drinking water.

Emails from Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Catherine McDougall and Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls have hinted at a mutual disappointment over the decision which came into effect two weeks ago, but it seems current legislation will stay put.

An online petition rallying for a rethink on letting locals governments make fluoride decisions was tabled in Queensland parliament on October 28, and drew a response from Mr Nicholls.

A signed letter from the health minister provided to and publicly shared by petition starter Tony Magrathea acknowledged the concerns of its nearly 2000 petitioners, and said Queensland Health “encourages local councils to adopt and maintain water fluoridation as part of a comprehensive approach to improving oral health”.

“The Crisafulli Government continues to strongly encourage local governments to adopt and maintain the provision of water fluoridation,” the email read.

Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls MP (right) and Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Catherine McDougall (left) have hinted at their disappointment over Gympie council removing fluoride from its drinking water, but say no legislative change is in sight.

An email from Dr McDougall provided by a Gympie region resident said she understood his “disappointment in council’s decision, noting that drinking water fluoridation has been proven as a safe and effective means of preventing tooth decay for people of all ages”.

Despite petitioners asking parliament to “create a statewide philosophy of water fluoridation for everyone”, Dr McDougall said there were “no plans to change the current fluoridation legislative arrangements”, which leaves the decision up to local governments.

“The government will however continue to strongly encourage local governments to adopt and maintain the provision of water fluoridation as part of a comprehensive approach to improving oral health outcomes,” her email read.