Labor doubles free dentist clinic pledge ahead of Victorian election

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 31 Oct, 18:24 · Archive

Victorian Labor has doubled its pledge of free dental clinics from 10 to 20 ahead of the November 28 state election.

Victorian Labor has doubled its pledge of free dental clinics from 10 to 20, with the expanded commitment costing taxpayers $230 million. Premier Ben Carroll announced the policy on Sunday, saying 'No Victorian should ever have to live in pain because they can't afford to see a dentist'. The clinics will be free to all when they open from July 2027 and are expected to treat an estimated 200,000 Victorians annually. Fourteen clinics will be located in Melbourne, with six in regional centres across Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Latrobe, Mildura and Shepparton.

The announcement comes as polling shows the coalition as firm favourites to win government at the November 28 election. A Roy Morgan poll delivered on Friday showed the coalition leading with 29.5 per cent of the primary vote, ahead of Labor at 22.5 per cent and One Nation at 22 per cent. The Greens fell from 14 per cent to 12.5 per cent. The coalition's comfortable lead follows challenging days for Liberal leader Jess Wilson over her party's approach to the Suburban Rail Loop project, which she said the coalition would 'pause and review' if elected.

How it is being reported

• Labor doubles free dentist pledge to ease poll painA promise to establish 10 free dental clinics has been doubled to woo voters in a state election, as polls showed a widening gap between the major parties.The West Australian · 31 Oct, 18:02
• Labor doubles free dentist pledge to ease poll painA promise to establish 10 free dental clinics has been doubled to woo voters in a state election, as polls showed a widening gap between the major parties.Perth Now · 31 Oct, 18:01

In this story: Ben Carroll · Jess Wilson · Victorian Labor · Victoria · Melbourne

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