WATER FLUORIDATION

The Hon. A. BRESSINGTON (15:11): As a supplementary question, given that the minister has cited research that she is obviously familiar with, can she now cite to this place the research that she says backs up fluoridation of our water supply?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister for the City of Adelaide) (15:11): I do not have the specific articles here with me—

The Hon. A. Bressington interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: —but I have read the questions and have been engaged in the debates for and against fluoridation over many years. I am a former health care professional. I was involved in the issues around fluoridation 20-odd years ago when I was practising in health, so I have read about them and have been involved and engaged in those arguments over many years. Just because I do not have particular research in front of me at the moment to cite specific examples does not mean that I have not read any. I am also aware of arguments against fluoridation. They have been around for a long time as well and, again, I am not able to cite specific research here today. However, the point I was making is that fluoridation of our water has been in place for almost 50 years, and there is a plethora of evidence and research available in relation to the effects of fluoridation.