ADIA CEO Update: Advocacy

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Posted on 30 October 2023

ADIA was pleased to have the opportunity to continue its advocacy work last week in Canberra.

ADIA staff met with a range of Parliamentarians and advisors last Thursday to discuss initiatives to improve oral health services for people in Australia.

Meetings were held with Dr Michelle Ananda-Rajah MP, Member for Higgins and Dr Monique Ryan MP, Member for Kooyong. Staff also met with advisors for Zali Steggall MP, Member for Warringah, Dr Anne Webster MP, Member for Mallee, and Wendy Askew, Senator for Tasmania and member of the Senate Select Committee.

Pictured right: (L-R) Stephanie Wells (ADIA), Dr Monique Ryan MP, Dr Sarah Raphael (ADIA)

ADIA provides evidence to Senate Select Inquiry into the Provision of and Access to Dental Services in Australia.

On Friday, 20 October Dr Sarah Raphael gave evidence on behalf of ADIA in the final hearing of the Senate Select Inquiry into Dental Services in Australia. She was joined by representatives from the Dental Board of Australia, Australian Dental Association and Australian Dental Prosthetists Association.

Sarah provided evidence on the need for national leadership in the sector in the form of a Chief Oral Health Officer, the need for federal support for priority population access to oral health services, and the various ways technology can reduce cost, tackle waiting lists, and improve clinical outcomes.

We will share the recommendations of the final report due to be released in late November via this update. We will continue to advocate for better access to oral health services for people in Australia through sensible, solution-focused strategies on behalf of our members.

If you would like any more information or have any questions or feedback, please do not hesitate to do so by email.