Mackay healthcare under threat from Commonwealth

Mackay could lose $29 million in health services following a Federal Government decision to refuse funding it owes to Queensland hospitals.

In Mackay today, the Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services Steven Miles said $29 million translated into more than 9,000 fewer surgeries and other hospital services for Queenslanders in the Mackay region.

“This is a savage attack on healthcare in Mackay,” Mr Miles said.

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

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.”

“Twenty-nine million dollars buys a lot of healthcare,” Mr Miles said.

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

The $29 million Mackay component of Canberra’s health bill equals:

• 190 hernia repairs,
• 150 hip or knee operations,
• In total of 9558 medical procedures

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said those kinds of cuts would have a huge impact on the people of Mackay.

“The Federal Government’s failure to reimburse Mackay Base Hospital for hundreds of patients already treated is not only unfair, it places future health funding for North Queensland at risk,” Ms Gilbert said.

“Mackay Hospital treats patients from across the region.

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

“For Mackay patients and their families, $29 million is a very significant amount particularly when we’re refiring to chemotherapy, dialysis, hip replacements or additional nurses,” Ms Gilbert said.

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 Mackay receiving fewer treatments and waiting longer for it.”

ENDS

Media contact:              Katharine Wright - 0422 580 342