Recently we commemorated the 80th anniversary of the bombing of Darwin, the largest single attack ever mounted by a foreign power on Australia during the Second World War. The two Japanese raids which devastated the city on 19 February 1942, took the lives of more than 250 Australian and Allied service personnel and civilians.

The American Destroyer U.S.S. Peary was also sunk, killing 88 American sailors and wounding 13 – the greatest single loss of life on any ship attacked that day. A single bomb landed on the main post office, killing the Postmaster, his family and six young women telegraphists.

Just two weeks later, Japanese fighters attacked Broome without warning. Twenty-four Allied aircraft were destroyed, and dozens of people were killed. Over almost two years, northern Australia would be raided close to 100 times, with 64 of these attacks falling on Darwin. We remember those who lost their lives, those who served and the sacrifices they made in defence of Australia.
Lest we forget.

HOSPITAL FUNDING
I have had a few questions about hospital funding and how it works. The State Government is responsible for managing hospitals and health systems.

The Federal Government provides considerable funding support to our public hospitals and health system through a significant funding contribution to assist states and territories with the costs of delivering public hospital services.

Federal funding contribution for public hospitals services across Australia has grown substantially from $13.3 billion in 2012-13 to $25.2 billion in 2020-21, or by 92 per cent. 

Since taking office in 2013, the Liberals and Nationals Federal Government have provided more funding for public hospital services in Queensland. 

It has grown substantially by 109 per cent. Over the same time, the Queensland Labor Government has only increased hospital funding by 55 per cent. Can you imagine if the state governments did some more heavy lifting in the health system, they are responsible for?

There is nothing stopping the states and territories from matching the Australian Government investment in public hospitals, and if they did, hospitals would be better positioned to assist sick patients, reduce wait times, and get surgeries done sooner. 

Hospitals are the responsibility of the State Government. While the Federal Liberals and Nationals will continue to invest in our public health system, the State Government must do the same.

Construction progresses on the upgrade of Howard Creek Causeway
Upgrades are underway despite delays on the Howard Creek Causeway on Tamborine-Oxenford Road, Wongawallan. Despite bad weather, construction is progressing on the $10 million projects.

The Liberal and Nationals Government is funding 80 per cent or $8 million of this upgrade, with the Queensland Government contributing the remaining $2 million.