FURY ABOUT FLUORIDATION GROWING

The feeling against forced fluoridation of the local water supply is growing, with Gippsland MP Peter Hall taking the matter to Parliament this week.

Mr Hall tabled one petition with 745 signatures in Parliament on Wednesday and has received a further 1500 signatures, which he delivered to the Health Minister, Bronwyn Pike on Thursday.

The first petition noted that the signatories did not support the addition of fluoride in any Victorian water supply, including water in the Gippsland region, in view of current scientific doubts regarding its safety.

Mr Hall raised the matter in Parliament, telling the House that many people in Gippsland were unhappy.

"What particularly annoys the people I represent is that they were given no say whatsoever in the decision to add fluoride to their water," Mr Hall said.

"The Government imposed this upon them without even offering them a say in whether they wanted it or not and I think that is deplorable. It makes the community consultation credentials of this government a farce."

Mr Hall said what was needed was a proper program so that people can hear the arguments for and against fluoridation of water.

"Then ultimately by way of a survey or poll through their local regional water authority accounts, enable people to vote on whether they want fluoride in their water supply or not."

Outside Parliament, Mr Hall said the State Government had directed authorities like Gippsland Water to implement fluoridation.

"What the Government needs to do is take responsibility for its actions and communicate directly with the people it is seeking to impose this on.

"It really should have happened a long time ago, but it would be better late than never."

Media contact: Peter Hall's office (03) 5174 7066