QLD Budget 2020-21: Key Portfolio Measures

As part of the Palaszczuk Government’s ongoing commitment to support the delivery of health services, $21.8 billion has been committed to health funding this financial year.

• $1.2 billion for the COVID-19 response plan for services including fever clinics; PPE; contact tracing; 13-HEALTH services; costs of aeromedical services; and the facilitation of quarantine in government-arranged accommodation.
• $979 million to enhance capacity and services at three major public hospitals in the South East Queensland growth corridor.
• $526 million for the social housing capital program.
• $265 million to build seven satellite hospitals across South East Queensland.
• $171 million funding package for a Queensland Health palliative care strategy.

The Government continues to support positive learning outcomes and upskilling opportunities for Queenslanders.

• $1.7 billion for the Building Future Schools Fund, which includes $346 million for four new schools opening in 2022 and 2023.
• $1 billion over the forward estimates for school upgrades through the Great Schools, Great Future commitment.
• $100 million over the next two years for the Works for Tradies program.
• $100 million over the next three years to upgrade TAFE campuses.
• $83.4 million for future skilling programs, including $32.4 million over two years for the TAFE Priority Skills Fund.

The Palaszczuk Government continues to invest in infrastructure and capital works to support Queensland’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, develop the state’s regions and drive business-led growth. Key measures include:

• $526 million in 2020-21 to construct new social housing dwellings, upgrades and services.
• $180 million in 2020-21 for the Works for Queensland program to support local governments outside of South East Queensland.
• $178 million over three years for additional youth justice infrastructure.
• $110 million in 2020-21 to begin the Southern Queensland Correction Precinct expansion.
• $148 million over forward estimates for the development of new stadiums and sporting facilities, and upgrades to existing facilities.

In 2020-21, the Palaszczuk Government will invest $6.3 billion to transform Queensland transport infrastructure, including:

• $1.5 billion to continue works on the Cross River Rail project.
• $715 million for upgrades on the Bruce Highway.
• $268 million for upgrades on the Pacific Motorway.
• $244 million over the forwards estimates to upgrade the Centenary Bridge.
• $50 million in for Stage 3 of the Gold Coast Light Rail project.

The Government continues to support its public safety and invest in expanding the criminal justice system in 2020-21.

• $590.4 million is allocated to the justice and public safety capital program.
• $110.2 million (with $654 million over the forward estimates) for the expansion of the Southern Queensland Correctional Precinct.
• $78.6 million for the construction of the West Moreton Youth Detention Centre, a 32-bed construction project.
• $48.5 million for the expansion of the Capricornia Correctional Centre.
• $39 million for new and replacement vehicles for the Queensland Police Service, plus $27.1 million for other equipment.

In 2020-21, the Government is championing small businesses and support the resilience of the tourism industry.

• $1 billion in concessional jobs support loans, interest-free for 12 months, to support small businesses.
• $500 million for the Backing Queensland Business Investment Fund, which will target investments in businesses that are based in Queensland and will create Queensland-based jobs.
• Up to $196 million in Small Business Adaption Grants of up to $10,000.
• $140 million to help small businesses to boost their competitiveness.
• $40 million worth of support for the Great Barrier Reef, including for reef assistance and to boost eco-tourism.
• $25 million in 2020–21 in the Growing Tourism Infrastructure Fund.
• $10.5 million in 2020-21 (with $65.5 million over the next five years) to improve safety and disaster resilience across the state, allocated under the Queensland Resilience and Risk Reduction Fund.