Dental service protest

Letter to the Editor - North West Telegraph
5 December 2003

Dear Sir/Madam

Immigration detainees at the Port Hedland IRPC are provided with a level of treatment necessary for the maintenance of dental health (Detainee dental protest - December 3, 2003). This care is provided at the same standard, from the same dental professionals who serve the local community).

Where routine dental health care is concerned, a detainee is subject to the same waiting periods as members of the Port Hedland community.

The Australian Government and the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs takes the health and welfare of persons in immigration detention very seriously. However, where cosmetic dental work is requested, medical professionals cannot and should not be compelled to provide consultations or treatments that they believe are not necessary.

Yours sincerely,

Stewart Foster
Director
Public Affairs
DIMIA