Australia - Federal MP calls for fluoride referendumA
Federal MP calls for fluoride referendumA
Federal MP has called on State Government to run a referendum on plans to fluoridate the region’s water supply.
Member for Corio Gavan O’Connor warned the Government of “huge political consequences” if it failed to give residents their say on fluoridation.
“Past commitments to hold a referendum before any fluoridation occurs should be honoured,” Mr O’Connor said. “Not to hold such a referendum would constitute a massive breach of faith with the people of Geelong.” Anti-fluoride activists called for a referendum on the fluoridation plans during a rally in Geelong last month.
The Government plans to fluoridate the Geelong region when it connects the city to Melbourne’s fluoridated water supply in 2011. The Government plans an information campaign on the benefits of fluoridation but has rejected calls for a public vote.
Mr O’Connor said the Government appeared to be deaf to residents’ concerns. “There is widespread frustration and anger in the community about what people regard as arrogance by bureaucrats and politicians in breaking promises, disregarding democratic processes and riding roughshod over (residents’) democratic right of choice in such an important matter,” he said.
“The mass medication of any population with an inherently toxic substance...is a serious matter worthy of extensive community debate, consideration and consultation.
“Simply putting a brochure in the mail, as occurred in Warrnambool, does not constititute reasonable community debate and democratic practice in this matter.”
Mr O’Connor said the “onus of proof” was on proponents to convince the community fluoridation was essential for the region.
Federal MP has called on State Government to run a referendum on plans to fluoridate the region’s water supply.
Member for Corio Gavan O’Connor warned the Government of “huge political consequences” if it failed to give residents their say on fluoridation.
“Past commitments to hold a referendum before any fluoridation occurs should be honoured,” Mr O’Connor said. “Not to hold such a referendum would constitute a massive breach of faith with the people of Geelong.” Anti-fluoride activists called for a referendum on the fluoridation plans during a rally in Geelong last month.
The Government plans to fluoridate the Geelong region when it connects the city to Melbourne’s fluoridated water supply in 2011. The Government plans an information campaign on the benefits of fluoridation but has rejected calls for a public vote.
Mr O’Connor said the Government appeared to be deaf to residents’ concerns. “There is widespread frustration and anger in the community about what people regard as arrogance by bureaucrats and politicians in breaking promises, disregarding democratic processes and riding roughshod over (residents’) democratic right of choice in such an important matter,” he said.
“The mass medication of any population with an inherently toxic substance...is a serious matter worthy of extensive community debate, consideration and consultation.
“Simply putting a brochure in the mail, as occurred in Warrnambool, does not constititute reasonable community debate and democratic practice in this matter.”
Mr O’Connor said the “onus of proof” was on proponents to convince the community fluoridation was essential for the region.
posted by Bill at
9:41 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home