The Miles Labor Government will deliver a new RFDS dental truck for the Cape, if elected this month.
The van would deliver critical dental services in the Cape York during the dry season and would service western communities during the wet season.
Backed by $5.2 million investment towards delivering the mobile dental clinic.
Premier Steven Miles has announced a $5.2 million boost to the Royal Flying Doctors Service (RFDS) to expand mobile dental services across the Cape York region, if elected.
This funding boost would see a brand-new mobile dental truck built, including a new accommodation trailer for staff, significantly increasing access to essential dental care for remote communities across the Cape York region.
The Miles Labor Government recognises that the Cape has been identified as being at high-risk of preventable dental hospitalisations – something this commitment will aim to reduce.
The commitment builds on our expansion of the successful dental truck services, now delivering fourteen dental vans and three school oral health clinics.
In addition to the new dental truck, the Miles Labor Government has significantly increased healthcare funding and resources in the region, including:
A $36 million increase in the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service 2024-25 budget – the largest funding increase in the region’s history
A $20 million upgrade to the Mareeba Hospital Emergency Department if Labor Is re-elected
Returned birthing services in Weipa
Secured two new emergency rescue helicopters
New, upgraded or replaced health care centres in Normanton and Pormpuraaw with planning in process for Bamaga, Laura, Lockhart River, Cow Bay and Cooktown
A renal dialysis unit in Kowanyama
More health workers including paramedics
Maternal Child Outreach Services, improving antenatal care
New high-end ultrasound machines in Aurukun, Pormpuraaw, Kowanyama and Lockhart River
A new child development program giving families direct access to a host of specialist services.
Labor has hired 1,710 health workers across the region since 2015, including 378 doctors, 972 nurses and midwives and 92 ambos.
Labor’s successful Workforce Attraction Scheme has brought 240 additional health workers to the Far North, addressing critical work shortages.
The Miles Labor Government has a fully funded plan to hire an extra 404 health workers this year in the Far North, further enhancing access to healthcare across the region.
In contrast, the LNP Sacked 4,400 health workers, including 1,800 front-line nurses and midwives. In the Far North, this meant 430 frontline health workers lost their jobs under the LNP, including 70 nurses.
Quotes attributable to Member for Cook Cynthia Lui:
“I have been fighting for more dental care across the Cape and am thrilled for what this new funding boost will mean for our communities.
“Young kids and their families will benefit from increase access with our new dental van, if elected in October.
“We know that dental conditions are one of the most common reasons for potentially preventable hospitalisations in the Cape, so we are doing everything we can to make sure our communities get the dental care they need, when they need it.
“This builds on the Miles Labor Government’s commitment to delivering great-quality dental services in the far north, closer to home.
“I have a strong track record of delivering for my community, including brining birthing service back to Weipa, two new emergency helicopters, new ultrasound machines in Aurukun, Pormpuraaw, Kowanyama and Lockhart River, better health facilities in Normanton and Pormpuraaw and a renal dialysis unit in Kowanyama.
“There is more to do, and I’m committed to doing what matters.”
Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:
“Queensland has some of the most rural and remote communities in the nation, so we need to deliver innovate models of care.
“That’s why I’m proud to commit $5.2 million towards a new dental truck for the Cape, if elected.
“I want to thank Royal Flying Doctors Service for partnering with us to deliver this really important oral health service, where it’s needed most.”
Quotes attributable to Health Minister Shannon Fentiman:
“Access to quality dental care is essential and this investment will ensure communities in the Far North receive the dental care they need.
“The Royal Flying Doctors Service do an incredible job delivering care for Queenslanders living across Cape York.
“This investment is a critical part of our commitment to making sure great healthcare is available for Queenslanders, no matter where they live.”
Quotes attributable to the CEO of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) (Queensland Section):
“The RFDS (Queensland Section) remains committed to improving access to dental care wherever people are across the state.
“We’ve been able to assist tens of thousands of Queenslanders, free of charge, from our existing purpose-built semi-trailer since 2013.
“We know there’s a significant need for better oral care services across Cape York and we thank the Miles Government for their commitment of $5.2 million to go towards the construction of a new mobile facility to work across the far-north.”
ENDS