The Australian government announced this week its 2012-13 budget, with one of the key focuses being Health (including Dental). Here is a link to the speech by the Federal Minister for Health, and our very own local member, Tanya Plibersek at the Australian Institute of Policy and Science 2012 Post Budget Health Briefing.

http://www.health.gov.au/internet/ministers/publishing.nsf/Content/tr-yr12-tp-tpsp100512.htm

We commend the Australian government for recognising the need to improve access to basic dental services for all, and believe this budget announcement is a step in the right direction.With a sever mismatch in access through the public dental system (43.5% population is eligible for public dental care, but only about 11 % of dentists working in the public oral health services), we hope that they extend the implementation to a system similar to medicare, where patients are able to see their local GPs rather than going to a hospital for all treatments.