I know many Far North Queenslanders are tired of the long wait lists involved in elective surgery. I hear your concerns, and I am listening. I am also happy to share that we are working very hard to improve surgery wait times for all Queenslanders and the recent numbers are proof of this.
Elective surgery waitlist falling for the sixth consecutive month
The latest June Hospital Health Data shows the waitlist has dropped to 60,423, continuing a downward trend over two consecutive quarters. This is a stark turnaround from the situation under Labor’s Health Crisis, when the list grew year after year and hit a record 66,632 Queenslanders waiting in December 2024.
The improvement is driven by record investment — $1.75 billion over four years towards additional surgeries, plus the $100 million Surgery Connect Surge announced in February. Surgery Connect, which partners public hospitals with private providers, has already exceeded its target, with more than 12,300 surgeries delivered through the program.
Health and Ambulance Services Minister Tim Nicholls said the progress is clear:
“The Crisafulli Government promised to stabilise the elective surgery waitlist, and these new figures show we’re making great headway. Our Easier Access to Health Services initiatives are paying dividends, making it easier for Queenslanders across the State to get the crucial surgeries they need sooner.”
The June data also shows a longer-term downward trend in ambulance ramping. While ramping rates rose to 44.8% in June due to peak flu and COVID admissions, the quarterly figure was 42.6%, down from 44.7% for the same quarter last year.
Minister Nicholls said the Government remains focused:
“We know more work needs to be done, and that’s why this year’s record Health Budget includes a $1 billion boost for the Queensland Ambulance Service, $581.4 million for extra hospital beds, and $55 million to improve patient flow.”
The Crisafulli Government has also reinstated monthly health data releases to ensure full transparency, after Labor cut reporting to quarterly.
“We are committed to keeping Queenslanders informed, and we will continue delivering the resources and reforms needed to strengthen our health system for the long term,” Minister Nicholls said.
