This bill enables the director-general to direct local authorities to fluoridate their water supply. By having a consistent decision maker with access to the best scientific evidence, we will promote fluoridation across the country. It may be a surprise to members of the public who live in parts of the country where fluoride is already routinely used and has been for decades that only half of our population has access to this important public health measure; the other half lives in parts of the country where the water is not fluoridated. By passing this bill, we anticipate over time that the proportion will rise from 50 percent to 80 percent.