BUDGET 2023–24

Queensland Labor promised three years ago to set up a renal dialysis unit at Proserpine Hospital and has failed to deliver, says the Whitsunday Member of Parliament.

Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP said a satellite renal unit for Proserpine was a 2020 election commitment by Labor but nothing had been delivered.

“We now see in the 2023–24 budget the same figures reoccurring but no action,” Ms Camm said.

“Labor is pushing the money forward each year and hoping the people of Proserpine do not notice that they have failed to deliver on a promise.

Ms Camm said without local renal dialysis facilities, Proserpine and Whitsunday residents were having to travel to Mackay several times a week for treatment.

“It was pledged that this vital health service would be made available at Proserpine,” she said.

“But when the Queensland Budget was handed down in Parliament yesterday we saw the same $3 million that was promised in the previous budget being pushed forward into the next financial year, and no renal dialysis beds have materialised at Proserpine Hospital.

“I am unsure whether we are ever going to see the commitment being honoured or whether residents will ever be able to access treatment closer to home.”

Ms Camm said this was yet another example of the state government failing to prioritise regional Queenslanders.

“If you’re going to make promises you have to deliver,” she said.