A record $23.6 billion investment in health is the centrepiece of Queensland’s state budget for this year, which focuses on delivering good jobs and better services for Queenslanders while protecting the state’s lifestyle.
Queensland’s Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the state budget will continue to put the health of Queenslanders first.
“Our strong pandemic health and economic response are now delivering major returns for Queenslanders,” the Premier said.
“With this year’s state budget, we’re making record investments in health, education, jobs, renewables, and community services like police and fire and emergency.”
The budget is said to include $23.6 billion for healthcare for this financial year, with an increase of $1.16 billion in health’s operating budget to help meet growing demands on the system. This will create thousands of new jobs for frontline staff as part of the Queensland Government’s commitment to hiring an additional 9450 health workers over the four-year term.
“This budget will also invest in new schools, improved roads and more employment opportunities as we enter our golden decade on track towards the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” the Premier said.
“The results are obvious: by prioritising the health of Queenslanders, our state is now firmly positioned on a path towards long-term prosperity and success.”
Under the 2022/23 budget, the Queensland Government’s record health investment in 2022-23 will fund:
- Approximately 2200 additional overnight beds to expand health system capacity
- New hospitals in Bundaberg, Toowoomba and Coomera
- A new Queensland Cancer Centre
- Expansions to hospitals in Cairns, Townsville, Robina, Mackay, Redcliffe, Ipswich and Hervey Bay
- Expansions at Princess Alexandra, QEII and The Prince Charles hospitals
- A further expansion of Logan Hospital
Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick said the state’s pandemic response continues to drive the nation’s economic recovery.
“With this budget, we’re protecting old jobs and working to create new ones while investing in the services Queenslanders need and the way of life we all love,” Minister Dick said.
“Our record health budget will provide access to the best possible healthcare, no matter where you live.”
Original content from Public Spectrum. Note: Content has been edited for style and length.
Nina Alvarez is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel. Her interests include writing, particularly about the healthcare sector and the many ways it can improve to further benefit people from all walks of life.
