United Workers Union welcomes a boost to the number of paramedics and health professionals, and extra teacher aides, all announced in today’s State Budget.

Throughout the election, Queensland United Workers Union members called for commitments from both sides of politics to properly fund our health services and keep public jobs in public hands.

The Palaszczuk Government made those commitments and has today delivered on those promises for Queensland with the announcement of:

• 1,700 more health professionals
• 1,139 new teacher aides and 6,190 teachers over the next four years
• 475 more ambulance officers

United Workers Union National Ambulance Coordinator Fiona Scalon said: “The Palaszczuk Government has delivered on their election commitments for more ambulance resources in the state budget.

“Ambulance officers have been on the frontline of this pandemic, and these 475 extra positions announced today alongside new and upgraded stations, and sufficient vehicle numbers, will ensure our members can continue to keep our communities safe.

“This commitment, as part of a massive investment in our health services, is great news for our members and all Queenslanders.”

United Workers Union Public Sector Director Sharron Caddie said: “This is one of the largest investments in teaching in Queensland’s history.

“The significant inclusion of 1,139 teacher aides is an acknowledgement of the important role teacher aides play in supporting students in our education system.”