THE State Government has handed down a record $33.1 billion health Budget as part of its plan to overhaul Queensland’s health system, pledging more staff, infrastructure and targeted services to ensure health care is accessible when Queenslanders need it most.
Marking a 10.2 per cent increase on last year, the 2025–26 Budget includes a fully-funded $18.53 billion Hospital Rescue Plan over five years. The plan will deliver over 2,600 new beds, three new hospitals, 10 hospital expansions, and upgraded health and ambulance infrastructure.
Treasurer David Janetzki said the Budget fulfilled a promise to deliver health services with a focus on access, resources and reform.
“We promised a fresh start for Queensland and that’s exactly what this Budget delivers,” he said.
“After crises in youth crime, health, housing and cost of living, this Budget delivers the foundation for health services when you need them.”
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls said the state’s largest-ever health investment would expand healthcare access and elective surgery services.
“The 2025–26 Budget is delivering the single greatest investment in healthcare in the State’s history to help Queenslanders access world-class care when they need it,” Mr Nicholls said.
“We are delivering a fully-funded Hospital Rescue Plan for more than 2,600 new hospital beds across three new and 10 expanded hospitals, and new and upgraded health facilities across Queensland.”
The plan includes $1.752 billion for 30,000 elective surgeries, $3.15 billion for hospital maintenance, and $1 billion for ambulance service upgrades. Queensland Health will also grow its workforce by 46,000 by 2032, including 4,700 new health professionals in the next year.
Other key measures include new CT and MRI equipment in regional hospitals, $325 million for the First Nations First Strategy, and funding to fully support the Women and Girls’ Health Strategy.
“More Queenslanders will access elective surgeries sooner under a $1.7 billion investment including expansion of the Surgery Connect program,” Mr Nicholls said.
“Making sure our first responders have the advanced equipment they need… is a priority.”