New data reveals making dental part of Medicare would save SA families thousands of dollars a year as soon as 2025, with all polling pointing to a minority Parliament. The Greens say making dental part of Medicare will deliver urgent cost of living relief and will be a key priority in the negotiations over who forms Government post-election.
SA Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young will tell an election campaign event tonight in Adelaide that SA voters want a strong voice in the Senate to speak up for the environment, cost of living and housing affordability.
Dental in Medicare - Key Savings for SA:
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Putting dental in Medicare would save the average South Australian up to $978 in the first year, and up to $10,817 over a decade;
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An SA family with 2 kids would save up to $2,656 in the first year & $29,423 over the decade
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Across the State, patients would save up to $1.6b a year, $17b over the decade
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Experts say the benefits of free dental have significant flow-on health benefits.
Senator Sarah Hanson-Young is running for re-election to the Senate:
"Dental into Medicare will be a key priority in the likely event of a minority Parliament next year.
"Our plan will save South Australians up to $978 per person in the first year, or $10,817 over the decade. An Adelaide family with 2 kids would save up to $2,656 in the first year & $29,423 over the decade. That will make a huge difference.
"Our state is struggling with the cost of living and people shouldn't have to put off getting their teeth fixed because it's too expensive.
"You shouldn't need a credit card to get your teeth fixed - it should be covered by Medicare. This is smart, fair and good for Australia's health."
Adam Bandt, Greens Leader:
"The cost of living crisis is breaking people. People are putting off going to the dentist because they can't afford it. You should be able to use your Medicare card at the dentist, just like at the doctor.
"Voters in Sturt are powerful. If just 1 in 10 people change their vote to the Greens, they'll elect a strong, independent voice to Parliament who'll push to get dental into Medicare.
"With the Greens' Katie McCusker in Parliament, we'll be in a stronger position to get dental into Medicare."
"The Greens will make big corporations pay their fair share of tax so you can get your teeth fixed."
Katie McCusker, Greens Candidate for winnable Seat of Sturt:
"This is my fourth time running to represent my community, and last time we saw record swings to the Greens. If just 1 in 10 people change their vote in the seat of Sturt, we will win.
"Nothing changes if your vote doesn't change but people come up to me everyday in my community telling me they will be voting for Greens for the first time this election.
"I'm proud that our community is compassionate and kind. I'm excited about what's possible."
Analysis of National Survey of Adult Oral Health, Child Dental Benefit Scheme, and Veterans Dental Scheme data
