Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown spoke at Senate doors today about Four Corners, doodling, Tony Burke's attempt to rejig history on the August 2011 Intergovernmental Agreement on forests, and the Greens' defence of universal healthcare and push for more funding for dental care.

Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown, speaking to reporters in Canberra today, outlined the Greens' moves to seek better funding for dental care.

Senator Brown also called for the Syrian embassy in Canberra to be closed as it no longer represents the people of Syria. Other topics included the need for Senator Brandis to recuse himself from the Senate privileges committee; debate on the mining tax; government advertising; and Point Henry.

The Australian Greens today called for the government to split its private health reforms so that bills to means test the private health insurance rebate and the Medicare levy surcharge could be voted on independently.

“One of the key goals of health policy is to deliver healthcare to those who most need it at the lowest possible cost,” said Greens’ health spokesperson Dr Richard Di Natale.

“Forcing people into private health insurance through taxpayer subsidies doesn’t just advantage people on higher incomes it makes healthcare more expensive overall.

Millions of Australians can't afford to see a dentist. This year, we're going to change that.

Before I came here to represent Victoria in Parliament, I worked as a doctor. Every day, I saw proof that Australia's oral health is in crisis.

Greens’ spokesperson for dental health, Senator Richard Di Natale, said today that Tony Abbott’s aspirations for Denticare are toothless.

“Tony Abbott wants credit for the Greens’ Denticare plan but his magic pudding can’t deliver,” said Senator Di Natale.

“His magic pudding budget would be the death of Denticare, which means more decay, more infection and more tooth extractions for desperate Australians who can’t afford to see a dentist.

“You don’t have to drill too deep to see a gaping cavity in Tony Abbott’s economic credibility.

Greens’ spokesperson for dental health, Senator Richard Di Natale, said today that Tony Abbott recognises the need for dental reform, but his plan is to delay action for at least a decade.

“Yesterday Tony Abbott was singing from the Greens’ song sheet when he spoke of the need for Medicare funded dental treatment. The difference is, we are committed to action.

Christine Milne press conference in Hobart on Gina Rinehart and media ownership, education funding, political donations and more

Greens’ spokesperson for dental health, Senator Richard Di Natale, has welcomed Tony Abbott’s backing of the Greens’ Denticare plan, but says that the Australian people want a commitment, not just aspirations.

“I am pleased to see that the Greens’ plan to bring dental treatment into Medicare is something that Tony Abbott aspires to - but he needs to put his money where his mouth is.

The Australian Greens today thanked the Daily Telegraph for highlighting a year and a half of great achievements on behalf of the community and the environment, although several mistakes mar the list.

"Survey after survey shows that the community is very supportive of government spending on dental health, high speed rail and renewable energy and the Greens are very proud of what we have helped deliver in these areas," Australian Greens Acting Leader, Senator Christine Milne, said today.

What a year to be Green!

Right from the start, 2011 has been a year of victory for the planet and for a more compassionate, equal Australia. Together we have achieved great things!