The Queensland Government’s own recently-released health system report card shows retaining existing health professionals is crucial to delivering required health services for Queenslanders.
Yet the Queensland Government is trying to cut up to $30,000 from some health professionals’ salaries by attacking their attraction and retention payments.
Up to 2,000 workers at hospitals across Queensland are taking industrial action in response to the Crisafulli Government’s attacks on their current conditions.
Medical imaging staff, including radiographers, radiation therapists, nuclear medicine scientists, as well as pharmacists, oral health professionals, and clinical assistants are furious that the Government has proposed a wages deal that would see some lose up to $30,000 in take home pay.
Statement attributable to Queensland Health and Ambulance Co-ordinator Fiona Scalon:
“It’s written in black and white in the Queensland Government’s own report card that retaining skilled health professionals is crucial to delivering the health care Queenslanders deserve.
“The report card also notes how mobile these skilled health professionals are, and how they are able to move if the job settings aren’t right for them.
“The Health Minister should read his own report card and understand the dangerous game he is playing with the Queensland health system, and the health care of Queenslanders.
“By threatening to cut the take-home pay of skilled health professionals by up to $30,000, the Health Minister is threatening the delivery of crucial health services needed by communities across Queensland.”
Findings in the Queensland Health Workforce Gap Analysis
Finding 1.2: Critical workforce shortages and inflexible service delivery and funding models impact capacity to deliver rural, remote and some regional services.
Finding 3.1: Queensland Health is experiencing statewide workforce shortages.
Finding 4.1: Retention of our workforce is crucial for addressing current and future supply challenges.
ENDS
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