Australia invests $19.3b to curb healthcare pressures and waiting times

This includes an allocation of $760.4m (A$1.14b) over four years for improved patient flow and capacity.

Australia has announced a $19.3b (A$28.9b) health budget to address the pressure on emergency departments, improve ambulance responsiveness, and reduce patient wait times for surgeries and specialist clinics.

Part of the budget is an allocation of approximately $760.4m (A$1.14b) over four years, including $18.5m (A$27.8m) set to expand hospital discharge initiatives and patient flow.

Moreover, the budget includes critical infrastructure projects such as the $133.4m (A$200m) Cooktown Multi-purpose Heath Service facility redevelopment to increase inpatient beds, add an operating theatre, and enhance its services.

Meanwhile, $40m (A$60m) will be invested over two years for the construction of stage 1 of the Cairns Health and Innovation Centre to create additional capacity for clinical services and training facilities.

"From bolstering frontline services with $105.7m (A$158.4m) to critical infrastructure projects like the Cooktown redevelopment and Cairns Health and Innovation Centre, this budget delivers a comprehensive approach to healthcare transformation in Queensland," Minister for Health, Mental Health, and Ambulance Services, Shannon Fentiman, said.

A$1 = $0.67