The Queensland government has spruiked a record health spend in its state budget, but the response has been lukewarm, with the peak doctors lobby group saying the funding was needed 'yesterday'.
The Queensland government has spruiked a record health spend in its state budget, but the response from health advocacy groups has been lukewarm, with the peak doctors lobby group saying the funding was needed yesterday.The AMAQ says the "record" spend the government is touting is only keeping up with inflation,
It says governments and stakeholders need to collaborate to make sure there are enough doctors to staff hospital bedsYesterday's state budget includes $9.8 billion for expanding capacity in the health system, delivering a total of 2,220 beds over six years through expansions to existing hospitals and the construction of three new ones in Bundaberg, Toowoomba and Coomera.
The government will also reallocate nearly $230 million of existing funding to add 289 beds across the Metro South, West Moreton, Gold Coast and Cairns and Hinterland hospital and health services over the next two years. It also says it is on track to deliver on a promise of an extra 9,475 health staff in this term of government.Treasurer Cameron Dick said the budget for health had increased 13 per cent over two years.and we're delivering 2,200 across the length and breadth of Queensland and we're delivering more than 250 over the next two years alone," Mr Dick said.
"When we get those beds built, that will free up capacity in the hospital system and that will help Queenslanders wherever they live."Australian Medical Association Queensland president Maria Boulton said the "record" spend the government was touting was only keeping up with inflation.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Queensland state budget 2022: at a glanceNew hospitals, increased mental health support and a boost in concessions announced in Queensland’s state budget
Read more »
Queensland state budget increases taxes on big business to fund new hospitals and mental health servicesQueensland treasurer Cameron Dick hands down 2022 state budget with $23.bn in health spending, a payroll tax levy and increased coal royalties
Read more »
Queensland budget: Govt to levy more than $1b from big business for mental healthThe new levy, revealed in Tuesday’s state budget, will generate an ongoing funding source for mental health services in the state and help underwrite a spend of $1.64 billion over five years.
Read more »
Mining companies to face hike in coal royalties, huge injection for health in Queensland budgetHanding down his third budget, Treasurer Cameron Dick reveals Queensland will deliver a net operating surplus at the end of this month, thanks to surging coal and oil prices and a booming housing market.
Read more »
Cells at Perth's only juvenile prison trashed in sign of 'troubled youth cracking', advocacy group saysAlmost half of the cells at WA's only juvenile prison are out of action because they have been so badly damaged by inmates, but justice advocates say the youths are under too much pressure.
Read more »
Who are the winners and losers in this year's Queensland budget?Find out where the Queensland government is spending money in the budget and what that will mean for you.
Read more »