Albo’s win forces state to fix health crisis: LNP

The Queensland Opposition says the election of a federal Labor government will put the State Government in an awkward position.

Anthony Albanese’s federal election victory will force the Queensland Labor Government to fix the worsening pressure on the state’s health system, the LNP says.

Ambulance ramping, bed block and exhausted Queensland Health workforce as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic has pushed the system to breaking point.

It prompted the State Government to beg the Morrison Government to increase its share of funding.

Senior members of Annastacia Palaszczuk’s Government have demanded the Coalition increase its contribution and split health funding with states 50-50.

While the State Labor Government has yet to secure the commitment from Mr Albanese, it expects his federal Labor government will be more easily lobbied for the cash.

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath confirmed she would push the new Albanese government for a more equitable split than the existing 80-20 state-federal agreement and has previously said it would significantly ease pressure on the health system.

“We congratulate the incoming Albanese Labor Government and look forward to working with the new government to get Queensland a fairer share of health funding,” Ms D’Ath said.

“We’re still seeking a 50-50 split on health funding and will constructively engage with the Commonwealth to secure better health services for all Queenslanders.”

Prime Minister elect Anthony Albanese embraces Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk during the campaign. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

On a campaign visit to Queensland this month Mr Albanese would not commit to extra health funding, but pledged to better consult state and territory leaders.

“What we will do is sit down with premiers constructively and work these issues through,” he said.

The Labor leader said he was aware of the pressure on the Queensland health system and said urgent care clinics – which will bulk bill the treatment of non-life-threatening incidents – would free-up hospital emergency departments.

Queensland Opposition health spokeswoman Ros Bates said the election of an Albanese Labor government would put pressure on Ms Palaszczuk to act.

“For months we’ve been calling on the premier and her health minister to stop the blame game and fix the Queensland health crisis which is their responsibility,” Ms Bates said.

“With the partisan politicking no longer relevant, the Premier must secure the 50-50 funding she promised and deliver a health system that Queenslanders deserve.”