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Beattie denies pork-barreling
The funding would be used to provide a new team of 22 specialist health professionals to provide home support for elderly patients and free up 25 beds in Redcliffe hospital. It would also fund a new pediatrician, two new ultrasound machines in the emergency departments of Redcliffe and Caboolture hospitals, and two new special care cots for newborn babies at each of the hospitals. Premier Peter Beattie said the government was prepared for accusations of pork-barreling because of the new funding. "I know there will be a level of cynicism that we're responding today because of the by-election," Mr. Beattie told reporters.
Redcliffe voters will go to the polls on August 20 after former Labor MP and Speaker Ray Hollis retired last month after 16 years in parliament. The Liberal Party needs a swing of about eight per cent to win the seat. A by-election will also be held on August 20 in the east Brisbane seat of Chatsworth, which Labor holds with an 11 per cent buffer. It is the seat vacated by former Treasurer Terry Mackenroth. Meanwhile, Health Minister Stephen Robertson also announced that five new doctors from Britain had started work at Townsville Hospital. He said their appointment was a clear indication the health department was working to clear a backlog in overseas-trained doctor applications stemming from the Dr Death scandal at Bundaberg Base Hospital. The five doctors were on 12-month contracts at Townsville Hospital and would be supervised by a senior clinician. |
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Queensland's
government will spend $4 million to relieve pressure on health care services in
Redcliffe, but denies the funding is linked to the upcoming by-election in the
seat north of Brisbane.