Latest news with #DHDA
7NEWS
3 days ago
- Business
- 7NEWS
Free dental care extended for struggling Australians
As health costs continue to rise, eligible individuals can benefit from free dental care, including check-ups, cleans, fillings, and extractions. Those eligible are placed on the public clinic waiting list and may sometimes receive a voucher for a private clinic to access treatment sooner and help ease pressure on the public system. 'The Australian Government acknowledges the importance of accessing affordable dental services and the role good oral health plays in supporting general health and wellbeing,' a Department of Health, Disability and Ageing spokesperson told The number of vouchers provided varies depending on demand, location, type of treatment required, and service capacity. When an individual receives a voucher, they are also provided with a list of private clinics that accept it. The vouchers fall under the Federation Funding Agreement on Public Dental Services for Adults. There were concerns about whether the vouchers would continue following the agreement's expiration on June 30, but those concerns were quashed in the 2025–26 budget announcement. 'The Government will provide $107.8 million in 2025–26 to state and territory governments to support public dental services for adults,' the DHDA spokesperson said. 'This funding will be provided through a one-year extension of the Federation Funding Agreement on Public Dental Services for Adults.' Those eligible include Queensland adults holding current concession or health cards, as well as children eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule or listed on a valid Centrelink concession card. 'The Child Dental Benefits Schedule has provided $3.1 billion in benefits and delivered over 51 million services to 3.5 million children since it commenced in January 2014,' the DHDA spokesperson said. 'Queensland Health is committed to improving the oral health of Queenslanders and increasing access to public oral health services,' the state's Chief Dental Officer, Dr Ben Stute, told The vouchers are issued by Queensland Health's Hospital and Health Services (HHS) and are designed to alleviate strain on public dental clinics. In 2022–23, those on the public dental list waited an average of 578 days to be seen in Queensland and 387 days in New South Wales, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). While the dental services are free, patients are responsible for their own transport to and from appointments. Appointments are provided at hospitals, community outreach clinics, public clinics, and schools across Queensland. When a voucher is obtained, patients can also access care at a private clinic. Many dentists recommend a check-up twice a year, as it provides a range of benefits. 'It not only prevents dental diseases but contributes to improved nutrition, communication, and self-esteem, which are crucial for leading a healthy and fulfilling life,' Stute said. 'In contrast, poor oral health is linked to chronic diseases, including diabetes and heart and lung disease, and may lead to people needing care in hospital.' The most common oral diseases affecting Australians include tooth decay, tooth loss, and gum disease, according to AIHW. Approximately one in three adults has at least one tooth affected by untreated decay, and one in nine children aged 5 to 14 has never seen a dentist. The best way to prevent dental issues is through regular check-ups, brushing twice a day, using products like floss, and limiting sugar and alcohol intake. For those without any assistance, a standard dental check-up costs, on average, $219, according to the Australian Dental Association. However, the Government is working with states and territories to develop a new National Oral Health Plan. 'This will include goals to improve the oral health status of Australians and reduce inequalities in oral health status across the Australian population,' the DHDA spokesperson said. A National Dental Reform Oversight Group has been established, comprised of senior government policy officials 'tasked with developing options for sustainable and longer-term dental funding arrangements that better meet community needs'. In 2025–26, access to private health insurance will also be made more affordable, with a $7.8 billion Government contribution to the rebate.
Irish Times
12-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
‘Thriving' Digital Hub to remain open until ‘at least 2027′
Digital Hub , the development agency in Dublin's Liberties area that the government scheduled for closure in 2021 with its properties to be redeveloped for housing, will remain open until at least the end of 2027 amid an uptick in leasing activity, its chief executive has said. The centre, which offers flexible office arrangements for budding technology and digital companies at its campus off Thomas Street in Dublin 8 , is nearing full capacity this year after adding 11 new companies in 2024. The Digital Hub currently hosts some 58 companies, which are now leasing more than 4,341sq m (46,735sq ft) of office space from the agency, 91 per cent of the total available space on site. [ Disappointment and regret as Digital Hub in Dublin's Liberties to be dissolved Opens in new window ] One other company has joined since January, the agency said in a statement, and more are expected to move into the hub in the second quarter of the year. READ MORE Fiach Mac Conghail, chief executive of the Digital Hub Development Agency (DHDA) said the Department of Communications had confirmed the campus would remain open until at least the end of 2027. 'I am pleased to say the Digital Hub is thriving and even more so given it has now been confirmed that we will remain in operation until at least the end of 2027, he said. [ Digital Hub signs 29 new leases despite looming closure date Opens in new window ] 'We play an important role in fostering creative digital and creative enterprises and in supporting the local Dublin 8 community, especially through the delivery of a wide range of initiatives and education programmes as well as cultural events and activities.' It comes after the Government announced plans to gradually wind down the DHDA in 2021 on foot of recommendations contained in a Grant Thornton-led review of the organisation. After expressing its disappointment with the decision, the Digital Hub subsequently reached an agreement with the department to allow it to continue offering leases until 2025. The wind-down would also facilitate the transfer of the DHDA's property assets, comprising some 3.7 hectares across two sites on either side of Thomas Street, to the Land Development Agency (LDA) to be repurposed as social housing. In 2023, the LDA unveiled Pear Tree Crossing, a €180 million master plan to build more than 500 homes on the site. However, questions remain about how many of the buildings, some of which are protected structures, can be redeveloped and how long the wind-down would take. The LDA submitted a planning application for 'enabling works' related to the project on a small portion of the lands last December, which Dublin City Council sent back to the State body for additional information. Mr Mac Conghail, a member of The Irish Times Trust, said the Digital Hub continues to work closely with the LDA on the transfer of the lands and is also liaising with Dublin City Council on the regeneration of parts of Dublin 8.
