David Crisafulli reveals his plan to boost midwives, nurse numbers

The LNP, if it wins government, is promising to establish a $95 million academy for health sciences in Rockhampton to provide a pathway to a medical career for high school students.

Leader of the Opposition David Crisafulli and Shadow Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Ros Bates tour the Nursing Clinics at CQ University, Rockhampton. Picture: Liam Kidston.

The LNP has committed to a state-funded health academy for students that will put more Rockhampton teens on the path to jobs into the midwifery, nursing and allied health sectors if elected.

Opposition leader David Crisafulli announced the $95 million plan at CQUniversity today, saying “it was a big deal” and would be delivered in their first term.

He said it would provide placements for up to 150 Year 10 to 12 students.

“It is the training of the next generation of clinicians,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“A pathway from student to clinician.”

“When you look at the workforce challenges here in Central Queensland you understand it is needed here just about more than anywhere across the state.

“It’s a flag in the ground that the Queensland health crisis cannot continue.”

Leader of the Opposition David Crisafulli and Shadow Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Ros Bates talking with Rachelle Cole head of simulation at the schoolof nursing, midwifery and social sciences, during a tour of the Nursing Clinics at CQ University, Rockhampton. Picture: Liam Kidston.

He said the LNP wanted to create these schools to give Queenslanders the opportunity to train and then work locally and go on to do “great things in the medical world”.

Mr Crisafulli said it was 15 years since the last academy was built in Queensland and the investment on the region was “smart”.

“It makes a lot of sense and to deliver the first academy outside the South East (where there are three academies) and shows we are serious about world class education and dealing with the health crisis,” he said.

However, Mr Crisafulli said there would be no boarding facilities.

CQUniversity Vice Chancellor Nick Klomp described the academy as aspirational

He said the university already had 1200 health students in Rockhampton, about 3000 in regional Queensland and thousands more studying online.

“It’s not nearly enough,” he said

“We are desperate for more workforce in Queensland particularly in the regions.”

Originally published as David Crisafulli reveals his plan to boost midwives, nurse numbers