Proposed changes to the Fluoridation Bill will mean decision-making will sit with the Director-General of Health.
The bill, as it stands, proposes decision-making on fluoridation be shifted from local authorities to District Health Boards.
The government will however be introducing a Supplementary Order Paper that changes the bill and gives responsibility for decision making to the Director-General of Health.
Associate Health Minister Ayesha Verrall expects the bill to pass by the end of the year.
'The Government is proposing an amendment to see that decision-making sits with the Director-General of Health,” says Verrall.
'The proposed change, which will be made by a Supplementary Order Paper, simplifies the decision making and means we are taking a nationally consistent approach that's based on evidence.
'Around 6500 children under the age of nine were admitted to hospital for tooth decay and associated infections in 2019.
'The Fluoridation Bill as a whole recognises water fluoridation is a health-related issue.”
Right now, only around 2.3 million New Zealanders have access to fluoridated drinking water, says Verrall.
The Health (Fluoridation of Drinking Water) Amendment Bill which was first introduced by the previous National government in 2016.
5 comments
What happened to democracy
Posted on 18-03-2021 13:51 | By Angels
I guess we have given up democracy for the next 3 years. No say in Maori seat ,now fluoride just a start. Hopefully next government will stop all this craziness and bring back democracy.
Finally the majority benefits
Posted on 18-03-2021 14:06 | By Let's get real
I clearly recall transferring to Tauranga from Hamilton with our kids over twenty years ago, and the very first comment from the dentist at their first appointment was "You haven't lived here for long have you..." Apparently young kids with good teeth was worthy of comment and some advice to continue fluoride in tablet form. Generally, discussions only attract those with a negative position on the proposal even if common sense indicates otherwise. We don't get a chance to support good decisions very often.
Labour hates democracy
Posted on 18-03-2021 14:12 | By an_alias
So more of the same from Labour, will we have any democratic rights left after they leave ? Socialist utopia here we come. You can have any say as long as its our opinion says Labour.
About time!
Posted on 18-03-2021 15:53 | By dolofry
For far too long this health decision has been left in the hands of people who vote with an eye on the next election. Often, without any scientific knowledge and dependant on dubious internet sources they make decisions which effect the health of the population.
Freedom
Posted on 20-03-2021 19:34 | By Told you
Why should we be dictated to as to what we put in our bodies, it always seems it leans towards those that can’t look after themselves.
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to make a comment.