Queensland leading the way in health expenditure growth, new report reveals

Queensland experienced the highest health expenditure growth of any jurisdiction in Australia in 2006-07, a new report reveals.

Health Minister Stephen Robertson said the Health Expenditure Australia 2006-07 report, released today, showed Queensland increased its health spending faster than all the other States and Territories.

“This latest report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows Queensland is outstripping the rest of Australia when it comes to increasing spending on health,” he said.

“The State Government dramatically grew health expenditure in 2006-07 by 31.9 per cent.

“Health expenditure from all sources during this period jumped by 25.8 per cent in Queensland – the biggest increase in Australia.

“The Commonwealth’s total health funding share is declining thanks to the former Howard Government, which starved the States of much-needed funding.

“While the Federal Coalition was scaling down its health spending, Queensland has continued to increase public health spending year on year.

“Between 2004-05 and 2006-07, State Government funding for public hospitals grew in Queensland from $1.2 billion to $2.7 billion.

“This represents an increase of 77 per cent, or average yearly real growth of 28.3 per cent.

“The State Opposition’s only response to these massive funding increases has been to accuse the Government of ‘throwing more money at the problem’.

“Sadly, the Opposition has retreated into a realm of fantasy where public hospitals run without money, doctors and nurses work without pay and essential medical equipment and facilities materialise out of thin air.”

The AIHW report also showed Queensland was closing the gap with other jurisdictions on per capita health expenditure.

The report reveals per person health expenditure in Queensland during 2006-07 of $4,025, compared to the national average of $4,185.

“This represents growth of five per cent from 2005-06, more than one and a half times the national average growth,” Mr Robertson said.

“It shows that Queensland is closing the gap with the other States and Territories, but we’re determined to do much more.

“That’s why the State Government has committed itself to a five year $10 billion Health Action Plan aimed at providing Queenslanders with the best health system in Australia.

“Half way into this unprecedented program, we’re starting to see real benefits in public health, but we’re not resting on our laurels.

“In this year’s State Budget, the Bligh Government earmarked a record $8.5 billion to build the world-class health system Queenslanders expect and deserve.

“This involves a massive capital expansion program to build new hospitals and health facilities, in addition to providing extra funds to deliver a sustainable health workforce.

“Our Health Action Plan will put us on track to fulfilling our Toward Q2 vision of making Queenslanders Australia’s healthiest people.”

MEDIA: Martin Philip 3225 2680 or 0407 675 008