Supporting Candidates for Water Fluoridation in Queensland
Leaders in Queensland are hesitant to address the contentious issue of water fluoridation, which has become a political hot potato in the region. As the local council elections approach, Premier Steven Miles is choosing to avoid taking a stance on this controversial public health topic, aligning with the approach of his predecessor, Annastacia Palaszczuk, who believed in leaving the decision to local governments.
Mr. Miles stated, “[Mandatory fluoridation] is not something we’re actively considering at this stage,” emphasizing the importance of ensuring access to fluoridated water for all children and expressing readiness to support and assist local governments that are willing to implement it.
Out of the 77 councils in Queensland, only 26 currently have fluoridated water, predominantly concentrated in the densely populated south-east corner of the state. With the upcoming elections, public health experts, such as Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service director Callum Blackhall, are advocating for council candidates to prioritize scientific evidence in their decision-making to enhance oral health outcomes in regional communities.
Dr. Blackhall emphasized the proven benefits of water fluoridation in preventing tooth decay and promoting dental strength, urging candidates to consider these facts when formulating their policies.
Callum Blackhall is encouraging council candidates to prioritize science in enhancing dental health, emphasizing the importance of supporting water fluoridation.
‘Opponents of water fluoridation’
One local council at the northern end of the state has consistently supported water fluoridation, despite the transfer of decision-making power to local governments by the Newman LNP government over ten years ago.
Retiring Mayor Peter Scott of Cook Shire emphasized the importance of continuing water fluoridation, even with an annual cost of $12,000, stating that it was a straightforward decision.
Councillor Scott highlighted that the expense of water fluoridation was reasonable and not excessive, indicating strong support for the initiative.
Peter Scott mentioned that many council members are hesitant to create controversy. Cook Shire, which serves most of Cape York Peninsula, provides fluoridated water to nearly 1,800 Cooktown residents, constituting approximately 40 percent of the shire’s population. During his tenure as mayor in 2013, Cr Scott led the council in facing opposition from a faction of individuals he described as “fundamentalist naysayers and anarchists” but ultimately decided to continue water fluoridation. Cr Scott expressed his belief that numerous councillors opt for the path of least resistance. He emphasized the council’s proactive stance in supporting water fluoridation for the overall well-being of the community.
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Cr Scott expressed his surprise at the lack of action by more councils in supporting water fluoridation candidates.
He acknowledged the emotive nature of the issue, stating, “The individuals opposing water fluoridation are incredibly strong and forceful in presenting their arguments.”
Communities in Need Overlooked in Water Fluoridation Support for Candidates
Challenges of Water Fluoridation Support Candidates in Queensland
Most regions in Australia have embraced water fluoridation. However, in Queensland, the issue becomes more complex. Local councils in the sunshine state hold the power to decide on the presence of fluoride in the water supply.
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In 2019, a research conducted by Griffith University examined past records regarding the dental well-being of Indigenous children in the Northern Peninsula Area of Cape York.
The study concluded that
water fluoridation support candidates
was deemed essential for such communities, given the challenges in maintaining sustainable preventive dental health initiatives in remote regions.
Challenges in Promoting Water Fluoridation Support Among Candidates
Queensland’s Health Minister Shannon Fentiman stood by the government’s decision, emphasizing that local councils are in the best position to determine the implementation of water fluoridation.
“To the aspiring local council candidates, we are willing to provide assistance with the financial aspects of introducing fluoride into the water systems,” stated Ms. Fentiman.
Despite these efforts, the topic seems to be receiving minimal attention from candidates during the ongoing campaign.
Political analyst Maxine Newlands, affiliated with James Cook University’s Cairns Institute, highlighted the historical controversy surrounding fluoridation in Queensland, tracing back to the era of Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen.
“Many councils either oppose the idea altogether or demand that the state cover the associated expenses if they decide to proceed,” she explained.
Dr. Newlands expressed skepticism that data and research outcomes would significantly prioritize fluoridation amidst more urgent political issues such as the rising cost of living.
Nonetheless, she pointed out that shifts in demographics due to interstate migration, urban growth, and generational transitions might eventually prompt governmental intervention.
“Only when the impact of fluoridation becomes a personal concern at the family and individual levels do we see a demand for policy changes from our local representatives and politicians,” Dr. Newlands emphasized.
Health Minister Shannon Fentiman has pledged to assist cooperative councils in funding water fluoridation. Dr. Hearps views the Cook council’s dedication to fluoride as a crowning achievement in his career, expressing disappointment that other areas have not followed suit. He emphasizes the importance of mandating fluoridation to decrease dental issues and believes it is crucial for making a positive impact. “Water fluoridation support candidates” are essential for reducing disease and improving oral health outcomes.
