ADIA CEO Update: Federal advocacy in action across Adelaide

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Posted on 30 July 2026

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese delivering the keynote address at the Federal Labor Business Exchange lunch.

On 23 and 24 July, ADIA Director of Policy and Education, Dr Sarah Raphael represented the association at the Federal Labor Business Exchange in Adelaide, held alongside the 50th Australian Labor Party National Conference.

Across the two-day program, Sarah met with senior members of the Albanese Government, including:

Minister Mark Butler - Health and Ageing, Disability and the NDIS
Minister Sam Rae - Aged Care and Seniors
Assistant Minister Rebecca White - Women, Indigenous Health and Health and Aged Care
Assistant Minister Emma McBride - Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and Rural and Regional Health
Minister Tanya Plibersek - Social Services
Assistant Minister Ged Kearney - Social Services and the Prevention of Family Violence
Minister Jess Walsh - Early Childhood Education and Youth
Minister Anne Aly - International Development, Small Business and Multicultural Affairs

The meetings provided an important opportunity to discuss the dental industry’s priorities and strengthen relationships with ministers responsible for health, aged care, social services and small business, all which intersect with the dental industry.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese delivered the keynote address at the Business Exchange lunch.

A Roadmap to Oral Health Reform

A significant outcome from the National Conference was the passage of an amendment to Labor’s policy platform committing the party to develop a roadmap to include dental services in Medicare. The roadmap would use a staged and evidence-based approach to improve access, prioritising people at the highest risk in the community. This represents an important policy development for oral health and provides a foundation for further engagement on how any future expansion could be designed and delivered.

Meetings with senior members of the Albanese government.

Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese delivering the keynote address.

The Bite Sized Beginnings Program Setup At Goodstart Early Learning Semaphore South.

Bite Sized Beginnings recently welcomed Senator Helen Polley to Goodstart Early Learning Semaphore South to see how the pilot is supporting children and families through practical oral health education and early intervention.

Senator Polley has taken on the role of Co-Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Dental and Oral Health alongside Dr Monique Ryan MP. During the visit, she saw firsthand how the program reaches families in a familiar and trusted early learning environment.

She was particularly impressed by the program’s practical and accessible approach. By connecting with families in a setting they already know and trust, Bite Sized Beginnings helps make early oral health support easier to access. She is keen to stay informed as the pilot progresses and as opportunities are explored to expand the program nationally and reach more eligible children across Australia.