Dusty Bake Activate
Fukk your corny debates
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/ne...icer-kerry-chant/story-fni0cx12-1226723271148
POLICE are investigating threats made to NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant by members of the anti-fluoride lobby.
Dr Chant was the subject of a thinly veiled Facebook death threat by the group No Fluoride Australia this week. They have also put out a wanted poster of Dr Chant complete with bullet holes.
NSW chief medical officer Dr Kerry Chant threatened
"Expect to be threatened! The community is angry, it wouldn't surprise me if these criminals pretending to be authorties (sic) on health start going missing, eventually members of the public will snap and take matters into their own hands, its only a matter of time. People go missing over far more trivial issues," was posted on the Facebook page by No Fluoride Australia on September 12.
Last week Dr Chant was also threatened with sarin gas - the deadly chemical used in recent attacks in Syria - by anti-fluoride activists after she spoke at a heated Lismore Council meeting, which agreed to overturn a longstanding fluoride ban.
Lismore Council overturns ban on fluoride in water supply
Another 'wanted' poster has targeted Health Minister Jillian Skinner, who confirmed she had referred the material to the NSW police and had asked the Health Care Complaints Commission to investigate as well.
"I have written to the Health Care Complaints Commissioner asking the commission to investigate 'No Fluoride Australia' as I am concerned they are providing misinformation to the public on the effect of fluoride in water supplies," said Ms Skinner.
Police are investigating this poster depicting Dr Kerry Chant. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied
"I am horrified that any member of the public would deem this threatening behaviour acceptable particularly when it involves a well-respected clinician like Dr Kerry Chant," Ms Skinner said.
Dr Chant told the Sunday Telegraph she is unswayed by the threats. "As NSW Chief Health Officer I acknowledge diverse community opinions and feedback on the issue of fluoridation of water.
"The addition of fluoride to water is an important health issue and I encourage robust debate and discussion on the topic," Dr Chant said.
Expert warns about scaremongering by 'fringe' anti-fluoridation groups
Opposition health spokesman Andrew McDonald said Dr Chant is getting a taste of what local councillors have endured for years when they support fluoridation of water.
That is why Dr McDonald put forward his private bill to make fluoridation a state responsibility - also the subject of the Daily and Sunday Telegraphs' 'Stop the Rot' campaign, which urges Premier Barry O'Farrell to seize control of water fluoridation from councils.
The government has refused to back the bill in favour of giving councils $7.5 million sweetener for fluoridation infrastructure.
NSW bill targets 'anti-fluoride circus'
"This is the kind of stuff local councillors have had to put up with and they are terrified," said Dr McDonald. "The minister's refusal to back the bill is a victory for these nutters."
Byron shire council heard an urgency motion on Thursday to allow councillors to be informed on the issue. Byron is one of 15 councils statewide which bans fluoride in drinking water.
Byron's Deputy Mayor Diane Woods, who called for the fluoridation debate in Byron, said she too had received threatening emails, one signed off with a skill and cross bone.
"Some of the stuff we are getting is breathtaking," Ms Woods said. "They're nutters."
Fluoride-free bottled water is contributing to half of all kids suffering decay
Meanwhile, the Council of Social Service of NSW (NCOSS) has backed the Labor's Bill and the Daily Telegraphs Stop the Rot campaign because water fluoridation is the most cost effective and equitable way to reduce dental decay.
Alison Peters, NCOSS Director said dental treatment was unaffordable and public dental system wait times were often too long "Fluoridating public water has the greatest benefit for low-income and disadvantaged people, in particular children, who are most at risk of dental disease."
