Record $28.9 billion health budget for record growth

• $28.9 billion health budget addresses pressure on emergency departments, improving ambulance responsiveness, reducing wait times for surgeries and specialist clinics, and enhancing First Nations, women’s healthcare and the health workforce.
• $22.1 billion goes directly to the state’s 16 Hospital and Health Services.
• More than 4,000 additional staff are budgeted to be employed.

To tackle the state’s unprecedented demand for healthcare, the Miles Labor Government has unveiled a groundbreaking $28.9 billion health budget for 2024-25, including a $2.167 billion infrastructure program – a substantial 10.6 per cent increase.

Queensland Health’s operating budget for 2024-25 is $26.7 billion, a 96.1 per cent increase since 2015.  

This investment fast-tracks getting you the care you need by clearing patient bottlenecks and slashing wait times. It also opens the door to critical healthcare for vulnerable populations and expands hospital capacity to handle more patients.

Building on the success of Putting Patients First plan, the budget allocates $1.14 billion over four years in 2024-25, including $27.8 million allocated to expand hospital discharge initiatives and patient flow, allowing Queenslanders to return home sooner.

This funding expands upon the $764 million already invested in 2023-24.

These earlier investments have seen increased rural staffing, the implementation of Patient Flow Commanders in emergency departments, and the expansion of short-stay units to expedite patient care.

Further investments focus on improving patient outcomes across the board, including extra millions allocated to:

• $89 million over four years dedicated to the ongoing Meningococcal B vaccination program, the largest state-funded program of its type in Queensland history, which has already provided more than 78,000 doses to eligible children since its launch on 1 February 2024.
• $324.7 million over four years will target health equity for First Nations Queenslanders, focusing on community engagement and tackling racism within the system.
• $275.9 million over four years will address mental health, chronic health conditions, maternity care, and sexual and reproductive health for women and girls. This includes $56 million to establish sexual assault response services.
• $247.4 million is invested over four years to ensure a healthy start to life for Queensland children.

The budget dedicates significant funding to bolster the health system as a whole:

• $347.6 million will strengthen healthcare including $142.2 million over four years to support LifeFlight Australia and
• $52 million over four years to support partnerships with non-government organisations.
• $158.4 million invested over four years to bolster frontline services, particularly in regional areas. This investment will support staff, attract new talent, and foster innovative healthcare delivery.

Alongside operational funding, the budget includes critical infrastructure projects:

• $200 million over seven years to redevelop the Cooktown Multi-Purpose Health Service facility, expanding inpatient beds, adding an operating theatre, and enhancing services.
• $60 million over two years will be invested to begin construction of Stage 1 of the Cairns Health and Innovation Centre, creating additional capacity for clinical services and training facilities.

Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:

“As a former Health Minister, a record breaking $28.9 BILLION health budget is big news. 

“That’s a massive investment to deliver more hospital beds, increase the healthcare workforce and provide Queensland’s doctors and nurses with the tools they need to save lives.

“Representing a 10.6 per cent increase on last year.

“This reflects the demand on our hospitals and emergency departments, And a boost to our Hospital Big Build.

“It’s only my government that’s building the hospitals and healthcare facilities of the future.”

Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier and Treasurer Cameron Dick:

“The Miles Labor Government’s $28.9 billion health budget is providing the resources our dedicated health workers need to deal with the unprecedented demand seen at our hospitals.

“It also builds on our record hospital building program with $2.167 billion towards our capital program.

“Only a Miles Labor Government will build the hospitals this growing state needs and provide the resources our frontline health workers need.”

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman:

"This record-breaking $28.9 billion health budget is a game-changer for Queenslanders.

“It's a 10.6 per cent increase that directly addresses the rising pressures on our health system and prioritises patient flow, reduced wait times, and accessibility for vulnerable populations.

“Building on the success of the Putting Patients First plan, we're investing an additional $1.14 billion over four years to further improve patient flow and expand capacity because Queenslanders deserve to get the care they need when they need it.

"We're tackling healthcare disparities head-on with a historic $324.7 million investment for First Nations Queenslanders. This focuses on community engagement and eliminating racism within the system.

"Women and girls in Queensland will see a significant difference with a $275.9 million investment. This includes establishing a dedicated sexual assault response service, a critical step towards supporting victim-survivors.

"From bolstering frontline services with $158.4 million to critical infrastructure projects like the Cooktown redevelopment and Cairns Health and Innovation Centre, this budget delivers a comprehensive approach to healthcare transformation in Queensland."