Sue McKee: Federal Budget 2025
Dental Health Services Victoria's Chief Executive Officer, Sue McKee, shares her thoughts on the 2025 Federal Budget.
Another Federal Budget, another missed opportunity for dental care
While the Commonwealth has committed billions to expanding Medicare bulk-billing, there are no new measures to make dental care more affordable for Australians.
DHSV welcomes the 12-month extension of the Federal Funding Agreement (FFA) for public dental services for adults. At $107.8 million, this funding is not indexed, meaning it will not keep pace with inflation or population growth. Indexing the FFA would help ensure public dental services remain sustainable, accessible and equitable. Extending the agreement to four years would also provide much-needed funding certainty for service planning, workforce recruitment and retention.
The Budget has cut $39 million from the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) which provides up to $1,095 over two years for children in families receiving government benefits. This reduction may be due to fewer children qualifying as household incomes rise, but it comes at a time when cost-of-living pressures are already making oral healthcare less affordable. As a dental check-up falls further down the priority list for financially strained families, stronger commitment is needed to support children’s oral health.
We acknowledge that achieving universal access to essential oral healthcare through Medicare is a complex and costly challenge. A clear roadmap exists, beginning with the introduction of a Senior Dental Benefits Scheme. The Parliamentary Budget Office estimates the Scheme would cost $1.14 billion in 2025–26 and $1.26 billion the following year – a critical first step in demonstrating the Commonwealth’s commitment to addressing oral health disparities.
To truly improve oral health outcomes and access for all Australians, the Australian Government must work with states and territories to include oral health in universal healthcare coverage and start treating the mouth like the rest of the body.
We stand ready to support the Federal Government in delivering on its commitment to making dental care affordable and accessible for all Australians.
