- The Crisafulli Government is delivering easier access to health services with a more than $160 million investment for 30 new perinatal mental health beds across Queensland.
- More perinatal beds delivered for Brisbane, Cairns, Townsville, Sunshine Coast, Logan and Ipswich to support Queensland mums and bubs.
- The boost in mental health support is part of the Easier Access to Health Services Plan and will help heal Labor's Health Crisis.
- The new beds are part of the Crisafulli Government's $350 million uplift in funding for mental health initiatives under the Mental Health Levy.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering easier access to health services for mums, bubs and their families with a more than $160 million investment for 30 additional perinatal mental health beds across Queensland.
The investment is part of the Crisafulli Government's Easier Access to Health Services Plan, and will expand the number of public beds at Mater South Brisbane from 8 to 10 – after the former Labor Government failed to do so - with additional beds also delivered in:
- Cairns (4)
- Townsville (8)
- Sunshine Coast (8)
- Logan (4)
- Ipswich (4).
The former Labor Government's decade of decline created Queensland's Health Crisis and left too many Queensland families without the care they need in vital perinatal facilities across the State.
The funding coincides with the release of the Mid-Year Fiscal and Economic Review, which also delivers more than $350 million in additional funding for mental health services over four years, through the Mental Health Levy.
The Crisafulli Government's investment ensures critical initiatives and services – that had no funding under the former Labor Government – can continue operating, including the strengthening of mental health, alcohol and other drug care.
This means more mental health clinicians in emergency departments to strengthen triage and support for vulnerable Queenslanders and will unlock alcohol and other drug bed capacity across the state.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls said the funding for more perinatal beds was a core part of the Crisafulli Government's Easier Access to Health Services Plan.
"Across Queensland, this expansion will more than triple the number of public perinatal mental health beds available and ensure we can provide more care for mums, babies and families, closer to home," Minister Nicholls said.
"These mother-baby beds will allow new mums to access specialist mental healthcare while staying close to their little ones, ensuring both receive the support and connection they need during this critical time."
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls said he had sought a mid-term review of the Mental Health Levy program to ensure the funding was being used responsibly and delivering real outcomes for Queenslanders.
"This review found that several programs announced and even commenced under the former Labor Government had not been properly funded, and some were out of scope of the levy," Minister Nicholls said.
"These investments are not just about beds, they are about giving Queensland families confidence that when they reach out for help, someone will be there to respond with compassion and expertise."
The investment in perinatal mental health beds comes as the Crisafulli Government's fully-funded Hospital Rescue Plan reaches major project milestones, with masterplans finalised for key hospital and health projects across the State. Clear timelines are now locked in to deliver the extra beds Queenslanders urgently need, restoring health services when Queenslanders need them most.
