ADIA Advocacy Update: October 2024

The inaugural National Oral Health Sector Forum was hosted by ADIA at ADX Melbourne
Fostering strong relationships and open communication amongst the entire oral health sector is key to our success. ADIA hosted the inaugural National Oral Health Sector Forum at ADX Melbourne on Thursday 3 October 2024. Representatives from all national professional oral health associations were invited to attend this facilitated forum to discuss opportunities to work together. At this event, we brought together Executive and Board member representatives from ADIA, ADA Federal, the Dental Hygienists Association of Australia, the Australian Oral and Dental Health Therapists’ Association, the Dental Prosthetists Association, the Dental Assistants’ Professional Association and the Australian Network for the Integration of Oral Health. Apologies from other peak organisation representatives were received and we hope to collaborate with them in the future. All attendees rated the forum highly and are keen to continue to meet regularly.

Major win on payroll tax amnesty for dentists in Queensland
Following ADIA’s advocacy with the Queensland Treasurer, Hon. Cameron Dick and Shadow Treasurer David Janetzki, the Government has officially advised ADIA of the amnesty for dentists until July 2025. This provides Queensland dentists the same assurance as medical GP’s that back-dated payroll taxes will not be applied and provides time to implement new business structures and processes moving forward to comply with Treasury requirements. ADIA CEO, Kym De Britt joined DSO members in this campaign and all were extremely pleased with this successful outcome. With both South Australia and Queensland now offering the amnesty, a precedent has been set for other jurisdictions.

Senator Helen Polley (Tasmania) visits ADX Melbourne
ADIA Immediate Past President, Tanya McRae-Klein and CEO Kym De Britt hosted Senator Helen Polley and provided her with a tour of the exhibition (photograph above). Following Senator Polley’s stand with fellow Labor backbenchers - Dr Mike Freelander, Mr Brian Mitchell and Mr Graham Perrett for the Albanese Government to include dentistry in Medicare, her interest in oral health reform in Australia was evident. Senator Polley was particularly interested in innovative models of oral healthcare that can improve access to services for rural and remote settings and the aged care sector. Building strong relationships with key parliamentary stakeholders is part of ADIA’s strategic advocacy initiative for improvements in oral health for all Australians.