COMMONWEALTH DENTAL PROGRAM

Adjourned debate on motion of Ms Simmons:

That this house condemns the federal Liberal opposition for failing to support the commonwealth dental program.

(Continued from 13 November 2008. Page 941.)

Ms SIMMONS (Morialta) (12:58): I have already spoken today about the previous Liberal government withdrawing the Commonwealth Dental Health Program (CDHP); so, even though there has been quite a time lapse since this debate, I will not give the background to that. However, already major impacts have arisen out of the withholding of the Commonwealth Dental Health Program funding. The delay to the CDHP has caused significant difficulties in funding projects already approved under the CDHP, and the South Australian Dental Service has needed to put strategies in place to manage these projects whilst continuing to provide essential services to the public.

The availability of funding, the lack of workforce and the cost of outsourcing have all had a major effect on waiting times for public dental services. Already over 14,000 patient visits have been lost since July 2008, resulting in the waiting list for routine care being four months longer than planned. The provision of priority dentures through private sector authorisations has virtually ceased, with the South Australian Dental Service salaried staff no longer providing routine dentures. I therefore commend the motion to the house.

Motion carried.

[Sitting suspended from 13:00 to 14:00]