Queensland councils feel election pressure on fluoride

Doctors will challenge up to 50 Queensland councils to declare their support for fluoridation of drinking water ahead of this month’s local government elections, as the state battles the worst child tooth decay in the nation.

Australian Medical Association Queensland president Dilip Dhupelia will write to councils that do not have fluoride in their water supply, and Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, in a bid to force the public health issue on to the agenda. “This is a serious health problem, and the solution — ­fluoride — is a no-brainer,” Dr Dhupelia said.

“We are utilising millions of dollars of hospital beds for these children who are suffering preventable problems.”.........................