Analysis: Qld Health woes a looming Everest

There is no larger mountain casting a shadow over the Steven Miles government than tackling the ever-problematic issue of Queensland’s health system, writes Stephanie Bennett.

Premier Steven Miles has said leading Labor to a fourth straight victory come October would be a challenge greater than climbing Mount Everest.

And surely there is no larger mountain casting a shadow over his government than tackling the ever-problematic issue of Queensland’s health system.

Perhaps even more so than those other thorn-in-the-side problems of the cost of living and youth crime, health is where 2024’s result could ultimately be won or lost.

It is now seven months since Labor’s rising star Shannon Fentiman was handed the health portfolio – rightly regarded as a poisoned chalice, where everything can (and nearly always will) go wrong.

In that time she has had some wins – and is regarded as a competent minister, willing to listen to those who work on the frontline.

Despite this, the mood among voters about the state of our health system has never been worse.

Queenslanders need to sleep at night knowing when they or their loved one need to rely on the health system – often in life-or-death situations – they can.

Unfortunately for those seeking re-election, there are no quick-fix solutions to the crippling workforce shortage and the ever-present fears over ambulance ramping.

Dr Maria Boulton is right to say Queenslanders have not lost faith in their doctors, nurses and medical staff.

They are doing the best they can, with what they have been given.

But whether the government and Mr Miles can regain the faith that they are the ones to fix the Mount Everest of issues remains to
be seen.