- Premier Steven Miles has today announced an investment of $129.5 million to fund 268 new Queensland Ambulance Service positions.
- 188 new starters will be on the frontline by the end of the year, significantly boosting numbers in regional and remote Queensland.
- The remaining 80 specialist positions will drive innovation to improve patient outcomes and demand management.
Queenslanders will continue to receive world-class emergency healthcare, no matter where they live, following a boost in Miles Government investment into ambulance services.
Premier Steven Miles has today announced the upcoming state budget, the first under the new Premier, will include more than $129 million in funding to increase the number of Ambulance positions right around the state.
The funding will allow the Queensland Ambulance Service to welcome 268 new starters across the state, with every role supporting the delivery of critical, life-saving emergency services.
Of the 268 new starters, 188 will be welcomed to their new positions later this year, including significant numbers in regional and remote Queensland.
The remaining 80 roles are allocated to specialist positions focused on driving innovation, such as the QAS Clinical Hub and the Falls Co-Responder model, where progress and improvements have been seen in both patient outcomes and demand management.
The March Quarter set a new record with the most Code 1 (the most critical and life-threating) incidents attended in QAS's history, with a total of 147,886.
The upcoming state budget is delivering support for the best and busiest ambulance service in the country.
The Miles Government is proud to be investing in critical healthcare, delivering what matters most for Queensland.
The Newman-Crisafulli LNP Government's Commission of Audit led by Peter Costello recommended privatising ambulance services, with QAS only retaining responsibility for Code 1 and Code 2 services.
The LNP then sacked 4,400 Queensland Health workers, and hundreds of Queensland Ambulance workers.
As stated by the Premier Steven Miles:
"Queensland continues to have the busiest Ambulance Service anywhere in the country, and we offer the only mainland service that is free.
"I know how hard our paramedics and Ambulance Officers work, which is why we're boosting the frontline to ensure we continue to deliver critical services to Queenslanders in need.
"This $129 million boost will pit more 268 boots on the ground – that's 268 more health heroes saving lives every day.
"It's my job as Premier to support our Ambos to do their job as best they can, and ensure Queenslanders have access to quality health care, closer to home."
As stated by Deputy Premier and Treasurer Cameron Dick:
"The Miles Labor Government is listening and delivering what matters for Queenslanders.
"Our government always priorities frontline workers including nurses, doctors, and paramedics, to ensure Queensland communities continue to receive world-class care wherever they live.
"We know demand for ambulance and health services are increasing significantly and this investment will help ease that pressure.
"That is why the 2024-25 Queensland Budget is continuing to invest in frontline services and staff.
"But this is all at risk because the LNP and David Crisafulli have a track record of sacking thousands of health workers and are planning on doing it again."
As stated by Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services, and Women Shannon Fentiman:
"We know that QAS is one of the busiest and best services in the country and I thank each and every one of our hardworking members for the incredible work they do day in and day out in their communities.
"These investments will ensure Queenslanders continue receiving the healthcare they need when they need it, whilst supporting our health heroes in their invaluable work.
"We want all Queenslanders to live healthy and happy lives and I'm so proud our government is delivering on the issues that matter most.
"It's great to see so many of the new positions heading out to support our stations in rural and regional Queensland.
"I look forward to our new health heroes hitting the road later this year and wish them all the best of luck.
"If you're looking for a career change, now is the time."
As stated by Member for Nudgee Leanne Linard:
"Ambulance officers, like the ones based here at the Geebung station in the Nudgee electorate, are heroes in the eyes of Queenslanders.
"The Miles Labor Government proudly supports them and the lifesaving work they do each and every day.
"The additional positions being funded through the Budget will ensure the Queensland Ambulance Service can continue to meet the ever-increasing demand with truly world-class service."
