Record health expenditure for Qld
Queensland’s health spending will reach $10 billion in 2010-11, a first for the state’s budget. An ageing population has seen spending double over the last 5 years.
Premier Anna Bligh said the record budget would result in better care and support for Queenslanders and their families.
“We made the tough decisions so we could continue to invest in better services for Queenslanders – and that’s exactly what we’re doing,” Ms Bligh said.
The Australian reported the health services expenditure of $10.6 billion in 2010-11 will be 7.5% higher than this year’s spending, incorporating $2.8 billion in Federal health grants, including a bonus $169 million for signing the Rudd government’s hospitals reform plan.
$150 million will be spent to reduce emergency departments waiting times and $160 million will be spent to clear the elective surgery backlog.
The government aims to recruit 720 nurses, 180 doctors and 300 allied health professionals, as well as 644 medical interns within the next 12 months.
“We’re investing $1.61 billion in disability and community care services in 2010-11, up from $1.4 billion last financial year,” said Ms Bligh.
This year’s State Budget includes:
- $1.054 billion for Disability Services
- $528.7 million for Home and Community Care (HACC)
- $28.6 million for Community Mental Health Services
