Scott Ryan (Victoria, Liberal Party, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Education) Share this | Hansard source

While I note that the opposition has indicated its support for the Dental Benefits Legislation Amendment Bill 2014, we have had a couple of contributions that were a bit unexpected, given that this time on Thursday mornings is set aside for non-controversial legislation. It is tempting to address those contributions, particularly the bits on the history of dental care in Australia and the importance of dental care. I will just note in passing that it was the Howard government, when the current Prime Minister was the Minister for Health, that first put dental care on the MBS.

However, this bill is about administrative arrangements. It is finely targeted at administrative arrangements. It is not about dental care more generally. I note again that the opposition has indicated its support for this bill and I commend it to the Senate.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.