MORE than a third of Newman Government MPs are behind a push to rid the state’s water supply of fluoride, according to its main opponent.
First-term Nudgee LNP MP Jason Woodforth claims he has secured the backing of 31 MPs who “don’t agree with mass medicating people” and want the “brain-altering poison” removed.
The Newman Government handed councils the power to decide whether fluoride is added to water supplies under law changes passed last week.
At least four regional councils, Cassowary Coast, Blackhall-Tambo, Balonne and Tablelands, willopt out of introducing fluoride.
Moreton Bay Regional Council also called for a report on adding fluoride after one councillor labelled it “poisonous”.
A 2007 Galaxy Poll for The Courier-Mail found 62 per cent of Queenslanders wanted fluoride while 29 per cent were opposed. Southeast Queensland councils will now conduct community consultations.
Premier Campbell Newman hinted at changes to fluoridation laws during the March election campaign and it is understood he pushed ahead after lobbying from a group of backbenchers.
The laws fit with Mr Newman’s focus on handing decision-making power back to councils.
Changes could be difficult as many councils share a water source. Limiting the flow of fluoride could be “hugely expensive”, according to water grid insiders.
But Mr Woodforth, a one-time bodybuilder who is president of the Queensland branch of the International Natural Bodybuilding Association, wants the state fluoride free by March.
Mr Woodforth believes the problem of tooth decay could be fixed with diet rather than adding what he labelled “toxic poison” to water.
With an electoral margin of just 3.1 per cent, Mr Woodforth is aware his time could be limited.
“I want the truth to be told. This is brain-altering stuff,” he said.
“Fluoride is not essential. We don’t need it. Nature hasn’t got this wrong.
“It’s not fluoride, it’s fluorine. It’s hydrofluorosilicic acid.
“It contains lead, arsenic and mercury. Lead in petrol and lead in paint is a toxin, same with mercury, same with arsenic so if they are no good on their own, what makes them so good in fluorine?”
LNP partyroom secretary Rosemary Menkens said many MPs were advocating for local choice.
Both the Australian Dental Association and Australian Medical Association state branches condemned the move.
Education Minister and former dentist John-Paul Langbroek said it was “an open and shut case” that fluoride prevented teeth decay and councils shouldn’t opt out.
Additional reporting Janelle Miles, Daryl Passmore and Kelmeny Fraser
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