Recently, the LNP Leader David Crisafulli spoke out about the lack of additional intensive care beds brought into operation by the State Government – there have been just six new beds in the past two years.

Considering that these are vital to the treatment of those who get sick from COVID-19, it begs the question: What has the Government been doing during the past 19 months since it declared a public health emergency in January 2020, if not boosting the number of these beds? Once again, it looks like the Government is failing to deliver the basics – ambulance ramping is up from 15 per cent in 2015 to over 40 per cent now, and this is why our hospitals are under pressure. Don’t believe the Government when it blames the pandemic for the state of the health and hospital system. It is poor management, plain and simple, and it was seriously heading in the wrong direction a long time before COVID-19. Thankfully, the pandemic has not broken out in a big way in Queensland, given the state of the hospital system.

Residents often encourage me, the LNP Leader, and other non-Government MPs to not just criticise (that can sound a bit too negative at times), but to have some positive suggestions. It is our job to hold the Government to account, however, and here is a suggestion for healthcare in our State: let’s put the data on ramping and hospital capacity out there in real-time and make it a focus for all in the system to improve the treatment time of patients and accordingly the number who can be seen each day.

And make people in Queensland Health accountable when things go wrong, hence providing an incentive for the system as a whole to improve. 

I have experience with my own family of the hours and hours waiting at public hospitals, and I can only imagine that some people simply do not seek treatment sometimes because they know of the ordeal that awaits them as part of that waiting. That is the worst outcome for all involved.

TAMBORINE MOUNTAIN SCARECROW FESTIVAL
Next week is the annual Tamborine Mountain Scarecrow Festival, running from 29 to 31 October. I encourage you to get involved in this year’s festivities and enjoy the time together as a community. For more information on what events are on, visit: www.tamborinemountainscarecrowfestival.com.au

CANUNGRA TURNS PINK
The month of October is when Canungra ‘turns pink’. It’s always great to see the community come together to raise funds and awareness for the battle against cancer. I thank the hardworking committee for their amazing vision. I’m looking forward to being involved in some of the many events happening throughout the month. 

MY OFFICE
In addition to helping with Queensland Government matters, my office can provide assistance in procuring Queensland flags and letters of congratulations for significant birthdays and anniversaries. We can also provide letters of support for community groups seeking grant funding. Anybody considering becoming a Justice of the Peace/Commissioner for Declarations will need to contact my office to complete the nomination form.

If you have an issue that you think should be fixed, I encourage you to contact my office, toll-free on 1800 813 960, so I can lobby on your behalf in Brisbane.