Health crisis ‘snub’
RURAL areas have been left struggling with a health emergency, Traeger MP Robbie Katter says.
The Katter’s Australian Party leader said the 2022-23 state budget had left much to be desired when it came to addressing the rural health emergency and deliver fair and adequate healthcare to all Queenslanders.
The state government allocated $6280 out of a $2.1m total spend in 2022-23 to deliver additional renal dialysis treatment spaces at Charters Towers Hospital.
Mr Katter welcomed “bread and butter” funding, including cash for roads, rail line improvements and schools.
However, he said unfortunately, the reprieve for the rural health crisis encompassing infrastructure deficits and staffing shortages was almost non-existent in this year’s budget.
“The Queensland government ignored the KAP’S call to create a $10 million per year workforce attraction program to recruit and retain doctors, nurses and specialists to rural communities, specifically to reinstate full ophthalmology services to Mount Isa, allocate CT scanners to Charters Towers and Mount Isa, and reinstate birthing services at Charters Towers Hospital,” Mr Katter said.
Despite several direct letters from Mr Katter to Health and Ambulance Services Minister Yvette D’ath outlining alarming reports of substandard care and requesting her plan of action, the budget largely overlooked Traeger in relation to health and directed its funds towards southeast and coastal hospitals and health services.
As part of the budget, Charters Towers State High School received $550,000 to refurbish a kitchen in Block L.
A further $1m has also been allocated for planning and pre-construction activities for Big Rocks Weir.
Almost $26.5m will be spent on improving and upgrading roads in the region, including more than $3.4m for Gregory Development Rd between Charters Towers and The Lynd.