Great investments in childcare, healthcare, lower medicines and TAFE

Congratulations to my Logan colleague Jim Chalmers, on handing down his first Federal Budget as Australian Treasurer. 

It was great to see federal investments in childcare, healthcare, lower medicines, and TAFE. 

I look forward to working with Jim to deliver the best deal for Logan and Queensland.

Queensland also had a significant Budget event this week when I tabled the Report on State Finances for the 2021-22 Financial Year in Parliament. 

The Report shows that Queensland’s economic position is even stronger than was forecast in our June Budget.  

For 2021-22, Queensland recorded a surplus of $4.3 billion, the largest recorded under current accounting standards.

This result shows that the Queensland Government’s sound financial management and strong health response throughout the Covid-19 supported Queensland’s swift economic recovery. 

It means we are better placed to meet the big challenges facing all governments across Australia, including taking action on housing, global instability and weather events.

Housing 

The Government recently convened a historic Housing Summit to discuss solutions for the unprecedented pressure on Queensland’s housing market.  

While these pressures are not unique to Queensland, our Government is taking a range of short and longer-term measures to address these issues. 

Through our Housing Investment Fund, we have set a new target for commencement of 5,600 new social and affordable homes by 2027. 

To help fund this goal, the government has doubled the size of Queensland’s Housing Investment Fund to $2 billion. This will generate returns of $130 million each year for investment in housing.  

We have joined the Albanese Government in signing a National Housing Accord, and we have taken additional actions to fast-track planning approvals and identify other measures in partnership with local government and the housing sector.  

Unprecedented pressure on the housing market has highlighted the importance of government and the private sector working together to deliver positive outcomes for all Queenslanders in need of housing solutions.

I’m proud that the Palaszczuk Government is taking immediate action by providing these crucial funds to help deliver more safe, secure and affordable housing.