‘Worst tooth health in nation’: Senator Nick McKim launches Greens Tasmanian dental plan
A Greens policy to bring public dental services into Medicare — and establish free health clinics across the state — could save Tasmanians $5.4 billion over 10 years, Senator Nick McKim says.
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A Greens health policy to bring public dental services into Medicare — and establishing free health clinics across the state — could save Tasmanians $5.4 billion over the next decade, Senator Nick McKim said on Tuesday.
Announcing the policy in the lead-up 3 May federal poll where he is seeking re-election, Sen McKim said the move would be funded by requiring “big corporations and billionaires” to shoulder a greater tax burden.
Tasmanian residents would save an average of $970 in the first year, and $10,800 over the next decade, if dental care was included in Australia’s publicly funded universal health care insurance scheme, the Greens said.
“Too many Tasmanians simply can’t afford to see the dentist, which has impacts on general health as well as oral health,” Sen McKim said.
“The Tasmanian Audit Office found last year that Tasmania has the worst prevalence of tooth loss in Australia, and the second worst dental check-up rate in Australia behind the Northern
Territory.
“Tasmanians are in desperate need of free universal dental care.”
Mr McKim said the Greens plan would also create 930 new healthcare jobs across the state, partly achieved through the establishment of 30 health clinics each employing five GPs, fifteen nurses, two dentists, two psychologists, as well as support staff.
The veteran senator estimated that free GP visits to the clinics could save Tasmanians an average of $340 in the first year, and nearly $5000 over ten years.
“These clinics would be a game-changer for regional Tasmania,” Mr McKim said.
“People would be able to see a GP, dentist or psychologist without cost, close to home, without waiting for months or skipping care because they can’t afford it.
“Healthcare is a human right, not a privilege for the wealthy.
“We should tax corporate super-profits and fix people’s teeth.”
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Originally published as ‘Worst tooth health in nation’: Senator Nick McKim launches Greens Tasmanian dental plan
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