Fluoridation threats: Five face probe on death note

Alex de Vos
Police have begun questioning suspects as part of an investigation into a death threat against a local politician over fluoridation of the region’s water supplies.
Geelong Police Senior Sergeant Tony Francis said the five suspects faced “fairly serious charges” with potential for prison terms.
“The charges include stalking, making a threat to kill and endangering the life of a person,” Sgt Francis said.
“They face very serious penalties if they are found guilty.”
Member for Bellarine and state minister Lisa Neville and her 12-year-old son returned home on Saturday night to find a Barwon Water drink bottle on their doorstep.
A hand-written note with the bottle said: “Thanks for the poison bitch, ready to kill you slowly”.
Sgt Francis said the bottle also contained an “unknown substance”.
“It’s gone off to be tested and we’re still waiting on the analysis of the substance that was found in the bottle,” he said.
“We couldn’t tell what it was but we don’t believe it was dangerous.”
Sgt Francis said police were also investigating a fluoridation-related bomb threat against Barwon Water earlier this week.
Police could not confirm whether the threats were linked to members of Barwon Freedom From Fluoride lobby group, he said.
The region’s water authority began adding fluoride to Geelong’s water supply on Monday, ending decades of debate between the community and State Government.
A Barwon Water spokesperson said it would take several weeks for the level of fluoride in the water to reach the optimal level of one milligram per litre.
The spokesperson said Barwon Water had not received any more threats since fluoride began flowing earlier this week.
Water treatment plants with fluoride-dosing equipment at Wurdi Boluc and Moorabool reservoirs were under 24-hour surveillance, the spokesperson said.
Barwon Freedom from Fluoridation secretary David McRae denied the lobby group had any involvement in either of the threats.
“We don’t know anything,” Mr McRae said.
Mr McRae said the group would continue fighting fluoridation.
“We’re determined that fluoridation should end as soon as possible,” he said.
“We are reassessing our strategies and combining with groups and professionals.”
Supporters say fluoridation improves dental health, while objectors claim it causes illnesses and breaches human rights.