Free dental care? Fuck yes!

It has been over a week since the election was held, and even notoriously apathetic Australians are being to wonder what the hell is going on.
It all hinges on who the independents will side with, and who they side with will be whoever meets their demands.
Independent MP Andrew Wilkie from the seat of Denison, Tasmania, today presented a 20 point wish list to the Prime Minister and the Coalition, split into national, local and office sections.
This is a very nice list of actions that a lot of Australians would love to see fulfilled. Introducing a loss limit on all poker machines in Australia would set a benchmark for the rest of the world and stop the image of the government as a boat floating on the money of gambling addicts. Honouring the "spirit" of the UN Refugee Convention would be a beautiful thing, but come on, this is Australia.
Unfortunately, Wilkie is putting these requests to the government, not the United Nations.

National

Introduction of maximum $1 bet and $120/hour loss limits on all poker machines in Australia.


Urgent action on climate change, including a price on carbon.

Honouring the word and spirit of the UN Refugee Convention.

Federal whistleblower legislation.

According the same funding priority to mental health care as afforded currently to GP and hospital services.

Including dental care in Medicare.

Overturning the recent Federal Government decision to extend to 2014 the review of the Federal funding model for education. Instead complete the review by 2012, and implement the recommendations as soon as practicable. Increased funding for tertiary institutions.

Increasing all Government pensions, allowances and other payments to levels people can actually live on. Enhance the method of indexation so as to ensure they genuinely keep pace with inflation.

A conscience vote on same-sex marriage.

Increased funding of aged care facilities.

The introduction of a national disability insurance scheme.

Local

Replacement of the Royal Hobart Hospital. In the interim, leasing of sub-acute beds in private hospitals to help reduce the RHH occupancy rate to the national level.

Stage 3 of the National Broadband Network complete by end 2012.

Withdrawal of all Federal Government approvals for Gunns' Tamar River pulp mill.

Immediate release of the $20 million relief funding for Tasmanian forestry contractors pledged by the ALP and Coalition.

Stage 1 of the Southern Councils Transport Plan implemented.

The northern suburbs light rail funded and developed.

Re-alignment of the Brighton bypass to protect the Jordan River levee Aboriginal heritage site. Upgrade of the Brooker Highway and Plenty Valley link road.

Upgrade Hobart inner port infrastructure.

Realisation of the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery master plan.

Stage 1 of the Glenorchy Sports, Recreation and Community Precinct funded and developed.

Office

Adequate staffing and office space to deal with the workload of an Independent Member of Parliament.
Now we're waiting for another Independent MP from North Queensland, Bob Katter, to release his set of demands. Lovely looking bloke, isn't he?