This study provides a qualitative analysis of state and local government political decision making on water fluoridation in Queensland over recent years.
Method:
The author describes political considerations associated with decisions on water fluoridation by state and local governments in Queensland, and the public health ramifications of those decisions.
Result:
Most Australian states and territories introduced widespread water fluoridation in the 1960s and 70s. Queensland was the exception. Legislation that labelled fluoridation a local government issue rather than a health issue ensured that by 2007 less than 5% of Queensland’s population had access to water fluoridation. In 2008 the Bligh government mandated fluoridation in all towns and cities with populations >1,000 people, and commenced a massive fluoridation roll-out across the state. However, in 2012, the incoming Newman government amended this legislation and removed the mandatory element. Once again, fluoridation decision making was in the hands of local councils, who were instructed to make their decision “in the best interests of the community”. Eighteen Queensland councils, including those of many major regional cities, have since decided to cease or not commence water fluoridation. A wide variety of reasons have been cited.
Conclusion:
Recent research in Queensland confirms the effectiveness of water fluoridation, and recent history reinforces the need for fluoridation decision making to reside at state or federal level where the greatest public health expertise lies.