Victorian Premier in charge of the most indebted state in the country sparks outrage over plans to add to soaring bill with free dental scheme

Victorian Premier Ben Carroll has unveiled a $230million election pledge to deliver free dental care through a network of new public clinics, despite the state’s soaring debt. 

Under the plan, a re-elected Labor government would establish 10 walk-in Public Dental Clinics across Victoria, including three in regional areas, offering free check-ups, fillings, root canals and extractions to adults and children seven days a week.

The clinics would operate without appointments, based on the model used by Labor’s Medicare Urgent Care Clinics. Services would run from 9am to 9pm weekdays and 9am to 5pm weekends.

The government says the network would eventually have the capacity to treat more than 100,000 Victorians each year.

Carroll pitched the plan as a major cost-of-living measure, claiming it would remove one of the biggest gaps in Australia’s healthcare system.

‘I’m fighting for the tens of thousands of working people who can’t afford to see a dentist.

‘This is not a one-off boost, it’s structural cost-of-living support, and it’s a national first.’

The announcement was immediately criticised by the Coalition, which accused Labor of making promises it cannot deliver while existing public dental services remain under strain. 

Shadow Health Minister Georgie Crozier said the government had failed to fix problems already facing the health system, questioning how it would staff such an expanded dental network.

‘The same government that promised the Commonwealth Games is now promising they can fix the public dental mess they created,’ Crozier said.

‘Labor can’t staff the dental services we already have, yet want Victorians to believe they can suddenly provide free dental care to seven million people, 365 days a year.

‘Labor’s mismanagement of our health system has meant Victorians are waiting seven times longer for public dental care compared to New South Wales.’

Victoria’s net debt is forecast to reach $175.6billion next financial year, about $46billion higher than NSW’s projected $130billion and roughly $29billion above Queensland’s forecast $147billion, cementing its position as Australia’s most indebted state. 

New Treasurer Colin Brooks replaced Jaclyn Symes after Carroll sacked her from the Treasury portfolio upon taking office, which Symes had held since succeeding Tim Pallas in late 2024.

Labor argues access to dental care has become increasingly unaffordable for many households, as dental services remain largely excluded from Medicare.

The government said thousands of Victorians are delaying treatment due to rising costs, with many turning to their superannuation savings to cover major dental procedures.

According to the government, about 30,000 Victorians a year access their superannuation early to pay for dental care, while hospital admissions linked to untreated dental problems continue to rise.

Health Minister Ingrid Stitt said the policy would remove financial barriers to seeking treatment.

‘It will work like Labor’s Medicare Urgent Care Centres, turn up and get the care you need at the cost you deserve.’   

The Coalition remains on track for victory at Victoria’s state election despite a slight improvement in Labor’s support following Ben Carroll’s takeover from Jacinta Allan, new polling shows.

The DemosAU/PremierNational survey found the Liberal-National Coalition ahead on a primary vote of 32 per cent, up two points since June.

Labor lifted two points to 23 per cent, while One Nation sat on 22 per cent, the Greens on 13 per cent and other parties on 10 per cent.

On a two-party-preferred basis, the Coalition maintained a commanding 55 per cent to 45 per cent lead over Labor.