&geometry(706x85) "Australian Dental Industry Association")
Posted in ADIA Board
ADIA CEO Update: Federal advocacy in action across Adelaide
 "ADIA CEO Update: Federal advocacy in action across Adelaide")
Federal Labor Business Exchange, Adelaide
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. |
Senator Helen Polley Sees Bite Sized Beginnings in Action
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. |
Senator Helen Polley seeing Bite Sized Beginnings in action at Goodstart Early Learning Semaphore South on 23rd July 2026.
| Posted in:Industry NewsNews & MediaCEO UpdatesADIA BoardGovernment & RegulationAdvocacy |
ADIA CEO Update: ADIA Parliamentary Roundtable highlights the the value of early oral health prevention
 "ADIA CEO Update: ADIA Parliamentary Roundtable highlights the the value of early oral health prevention")
Last week ADIA returned to Australian Parliament House for its 2026 Parliamentary Roundtable. President Ryan Green together with ADIA Board directors and members met with parliamentarians and senior departmental representatives to discuss opportunities to improve oral health outcomes across Australia.
The Roundtable provided a direct forum for ADIA delegates to raise priority issues affecting the dental industry and the broader community. Discussions focused on improving awareness and uptake of the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, supporting better access to oral health care in aged care, and ensuring product regulation balances patient safety expectations with the ability to foster innovative product technology in Australia.
ADIA Parliamentary Roundtable delegates at Parliament House 2026
A key focus of the day was ADIA’s Bite Sized Beginnings pilot, which attracted strong interest from both parliamentarians and senior members of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. The program was recognised for its potential to support early childhood oral health education, reach families through early learning settings, and help identify oral health issues before they become serious. The discussions highlighted the value of case studies, stronger data and practical evidence to demonstrate how prevention can reduce avoidable hospitalisations and improve outcomes for children.
Senator Helen Polley sharing insights at Parliamentary Roundtable
The roundtable also marked an important advocacy milestone, with the Parliamentary Friends of Dental and Oral Health group reformed and co-chaired by Senator Helen Polley and Dr Monique Ryan MP.
ADIA welcomed this important opportunity to engage with Parliamentarians and Departmental staff and guests in a constructive day of discussion. The insights shared will help inform ADIA’s ongoing advocacy for a stronger dental industry and better oral health for all Australians.
If you would like to discuss any areas of ADIA’s Government advocacy, please get in touch with ADIA Director of Policy and Education, Dr Sarah Raphael at advocacy@adia.org.au
Senator Jordon Steele-John with ADIA Roundtable delegates
| Posted in:Industry NewsNews & MediaCEO UpdatesADIA BoardGovernment & RegulationAdvocacy |
ADIA Board 2025
 "ADIA Board 2025")
President
- Ryan Green, William Green
Vice President
- Hayley Avery, STS Group
Immediate Past President
- Tanya McRae, Dental Installations
Directors
- Michael Fahey, Henry Schein
- Samantha Cheetham, SDI Limited
- Dr Alex Abrahams, Enzo Pty Ltd
- James Squirrell, Modern Dental Pacific
- Kenneth McInnes, Ivoclar
- Sam Thalassinos, XYZ Dental
- Michelle Gianferrari, Prime Practice
Chief Executive Officer*
- Kym De Britt, ADIA National Office
| Posted in:Industry NewsADIA Board |
ADIA Board 2024
 "ADIA Board 2024")
President
- Ryan Green, Willam Green
Vice President
- Jane Miller, Medical Dental Solutions NQ
Immediate Past President
- Tanya McRae, Dental Installations
Directors
- Craig Young, A-dec International
- Samantha Cheetham, SDI Limited
- Jason Roberts, Dental Concepts
- Dr Alex Abrahams, Enzo Pty Ltd
- James Squirrell, Modern Dental Pacific
- Kenneth McInnes, Ivoclar
- Sam Thalassinos, XYZ Dental
Chief Executive Officer*
- Kym De Britt, ADIA National Office
| Posted in:Industry NewsADIA Board |
ADIA Board 2023
 "ADIA Board 2023")
President
- Ryan Green, Willam Green
Vice President
- Jane Miller, Medical Dental Solutions NQ
Immediate Past President
- Tanya McRae, Dental Installations
Directors
- Craig Young, A-dec International
- Samantha Cheetham, SDI Limited
- Jason Roberts, Dental Concepts
- Dr Alex Abrahams, Enzo Pty Ltd
- James Squirrell, Modern Dental Pacific
- Martin Weigold, Dentsply Sirona
- Sam Thalassinos, XYZ Dental
Chief Executive Officer*
- Kym De Britt, ADIA National Office
| Posted in:Industry NewsADIA Board |
