LNP slammed over ‘undeliverable’ Bundaberg Hospital

Premier David Crisafulli insists his government will deliver a new Bundaberg Hospital, but MP Tom Smith has accused him of backtracking, and demanded clarity on the reports that hundreds of beds could be cut from the new facility.

Premier David Crisafulli has doubled down on his commitment to delivering the new $1.2billion Bundaberg Hospital, brushing aside claims the project has been scaled back and beds cut.

The hospital - for which early work has begun - was set to be a game-changer for the region, with more than 400 beds, including 320 overnight beds, as well as expanded emergency and operating theatres, additional outpatient services, and a rooftop helipad for emergency medical airlift.
Set for completion by late 2027, the project would create nearly 3000 local construction jobs and be part of a broader development plan for a health and education precinct.

While the state government has pledged to deliver the hospital on time and within budget, recent claims about potential cuts to its scope—particularly a reduction in bed capacity—have raised concerns about what Bundaberg will eventually end up with.

During Question Time in Parliament on April 1, Bundaberg Labor MP Tom Smith questioned the Premier regarding reports from 9News that the hospital’s capacity would be reduced and services cut, meaning Bundaberg would not receive the more than 400 hospital beds previously promised.

Mr Crisafulli dismissed the concerns, saying the previous Labor government’s hospital delivery plan was “undeliverable” due to a lack of attention to detail and issues with project management.
“The former government’s hospital delivery ambitions were commendable, but blind optimism and unbridled enthusiasm is not a plausible delivery strategy,” Mr Crisafulli said.

Bundaberg Labor MP Tom Smith discusses Premier David Crisafulli's statement that the Bundaberg Hospital as promised by the previous state government was 'undeliverable'.

 
He assured that his government would deliver the hospital as part of an infrastructure pipeline focused on completing developments on time and on budget.

Mr Crisafulli also criticised Mr Smith’s previous stance on the hospital project, suggesting that he had backtracked on his original advocacy for a level 5 facility.
“The people of Bundaberg will get a new hospital,” he said.
Bundaberg has had a hospital that was ”not up to standard”.
“It is not up to standard for the doctors, the nurses and the allied health professionals.
“The Bundaberg Hospital is not up to standard for the patients who go there,” Mr Crisafulli said.
Throughout the Parliament exchange, the speaker warned Mr Smith for his interruptions.
He cited the Queensland Major Contractors Association’s assessment that the former government’s hospital plans were unrealistic, reinforcing his position that a change in government would lead to better infrastructure outcomes.

Premier David Crisafulli during Qld State Parliament question time, Brisbane. pic: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail

Following the exchange, Mr Smith responded in a media statement, accusing Mr Crisafulli of admitting that the new Bundaberg Hospital was “undeliverable” under an LNP government.
Mr Smith demanded clarity on how many beds, medical roles, and construction jobs would be cut as a result.
He said the previous Labor government had committed to a hospital with more than 400 beds and argued that any reduction would negatively impact healthcare services in Bundaberg and the Wide Bay.

Mr Smith called on the Premier to “come clean” about the hospital’s final scope and its impact on staffing and patient care, reiterating concerns that the project would be scaled back under the LNP.