Canberra cuts a sick blow to our health system

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Cameron Dick slammed new health cuts revealed today by the Federal Liberal Government, saying they would take a big toll on Queensland.

The Federal Liberal Government today released its mid-year economic review. Health cuts announced involve slashing workforce programs including education and training across the nation by $595 million over four years and bulk-billing changes to the tune of $650 million that will shift the cost back onto patients and the public hospital system.  

“These cuts are widespread, come without consultation, and will hit Queensland hard,” Mr Dick said.

“They come just days after the Prime Minister, Premiers and Chief Ministers discussed at COAG the need for certainty in health funding.

“Since the Federal Government’s first budget ripped $11.8 billion from Queensland hospital funding, we’ve been campaigning hard to ensure health is funded effectively, and funded fairly.

“It appears they’re now deepening the cuts, with further cuts to public hospitals across the nation. 

“Queenslanders have every right to be angry and dismayed that Malcolm Turnbull and Scott Morrison aren’t listening.”

Mr Dick said he had asked for a full analysis by his department of the Federal cuts to determine what the impact would be.

“We’re already hearing from the AMA that these changes are about cutting health and shifting costs to patients,” Mr Dick said.

“I’m particularly concerned that cuts to health workforce programs and rural education programs will have a massive impact on a state as regionally diverse as Queensland.”

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT:               Anna Jabour  0429 890 942