Central Queensland healthcare under threat from Commonwealth

Central Queensland could lose $39 million in health services following a Federal Government decision to refuse funding it owes to Queensland hospitals.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles was at Rockhampton Hospital today and said $39 million translated into over 14,200 fewer surgeries and other hospital admissions for sick people across the region.

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

“We’re not talking about arguments over future funding – this is about Canberra paying for services already delivered in Rockhampton, Gladstone, Emerald, Moura and Biloela.”

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.

“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.”

The $39 million Central Queensland component of Canberra’s health bill equals:

• 424 cataracts and lens procedures
• 299 hernia repairs,
• 214 hip or knee operations,
• A total of 14,263 medical procedures

Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke said despite calls from the Palaszczuk Government, this overdue money had not been paid.

“Thirty-nine million dollars buys a lot of healthcare and its things that matter to people, day-in, day-out,” Mr O’Rourke said.

Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga said Central Queensland residents deserved better from the Turnbull Government.

“The Federal Government’s failure to reimburse the hospitals in our region, including Capricorn Coast Hospital and Health Service in Yeppoon, for hundreds of patients already treated is unfair and places future health funding for our region at risk,” Ms Lauga said.

Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher said the funding shortfall could have disastrous effects on future healthcare in the region.

“The Federal Government needs to pay their debt - pay up or continue to put at risk the treatment of thousands of Central Queenslanders,” Mr Butcher 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 Rockhampton and Gladstone receiving fewer treatments and waiting longer for it.”

Mr Miles said Deb Frecklington and the Queensland LNP had been silent on this issue - even though it poses a risk to future health services.

“It’s disappointing that Deb Frecklington can’t put politics aside and ask her Canberra mates to pay up,” he said.

“It’s time the LNP stopped choosing Canberra over Queenslanders who rely on these vital healthcare services.”

ENDS

Media contact: Katharine Wright - 0428 957 903