Darling Downs healthcare under threat from Commonwealth

The Darling Downs could lose $52 million in health services following a Federal Government decision to refuse funding it owes to Queensland hospitals.

Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services Steven Miles said $52 million translated into almost 15,000 fewer surgeries and other hospital admissions for sick people in Toowoomba and across the Darling Downs.

“This is a savage attack on healthcare on the Darling Downs,” Mr Miles said.

“We’re not talking about arguments over future funding – this is about Canberra paying for services already delivered in Toowoomba.”

Mr Miles said the independent health funding umpire had ruled the Commonwealth owes Queensland hundreds of millions of dollars for healthcare provided as far back as 2014.

“Worse, the amount owing is accumulating – meaning Queenslanders are $979 million worse off over four years because of Canberra’s refusal to pay its fair share,” Mr Miles said.

“Come on Prime Minister, most of us manage to pay our bills on time. Four years late is pretty rich. Even for you.

“You wouldn’t contract someone to build you a house, and then refuse to pay the bill once you had moved in to your new home.

“This is the same situation, except we’re talking about healthcare and the lives of thousands of Queenslanders.

“I’m asking for help – from politicians on all sides, from health professionals, from stakeholders – to encourage the Federal Government to meet its commitments.

“Fifty-two million dollars buys a lot of healthcare.

“And it’s things that matter to people, day-in, day-out.”

The $52 million Darling Downs component of Canberra’s health bill equals:

• 208 lens procedures
• 340 hernia repairs,
• 347 hip or knee operations,
• A total of 14,879 medical procedures

“The Federal Government’s failure to reimburse Toowoomba for hundreds of patients already treated is not only unfair, it places future health funding for the Darling Downs at risk.”

“The Federal Government needs to pay their debt - pay up or continue to put at risk the treatment of hundreds of North Queenslanders.”

Mr Miles said Queensland Health has worked hard to ensure no one has been disadvantaged while waiting for Canberra to pay its bills.

“But this is not sustainable,” Mr Miles said.

“If Canberra refuses to pay its fair share our hospitals will be forced to reduce health services they could otherwise deliver.

“Canberra’s cuts will see people in Toowoomba receiving fewer treatments and waiting longer for it.”

 ENDS

 Media contact:          Amy Hunter – 0437 961 831