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Queensland 2026-27 Budget: support for mental health, prevention and access – but also major gaps

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Introduction by Croakey: The 2026-27 Budget handed down this week by the Queensland Treasurer has been described as coming without a ‘sugar rush’ of big announcements but with cost of living relief through back-to-school vouchers, a bulk water freeze, higher electricity rebates for vulnerable households, sports vouchers and legislating 50-cent public transport fares.

As the ABC has observed, the Crisafulli Government is “clearly still haunted by the ghost of former Premier Campbell Newman and the more than 12,000 public service jobs his Government cut between 2012 and 2014”, leading to a massive defeat after just one term.

Treasurer David Janetzk’s opening words included “respect for our public servants who work to heal the sick, teach and care for our young and protect our citizens”, and declared that an extra 8,693 full-time public sector roles, most in frontline services and 3,618 full-time equivalent roles in health alone, “disproves the base scare campaign” that cuts were to come.

Health and social organisations have welcomed a number of initiatives, including increased and dedicated mental health funding, investment in social and community housing, health spending on prevention and primary care, and a boost in the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme that aims to improve access to healthcare services for regional and remote Queensland.

However, the Queensland branch of the Australian Medical Association said the ‘business as usual’ Budget did not grow the health budget enough to keep pace with increased population, demand and inflation, while the Queensland Council of Social Service said it “fell short” on the twin crises of cost of living and housing.

Below are Budget resources, plus responses from the following organisations: Royal Australian College of GPs, Australian Medical Association Queensland, Queensland Council of Social Services, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP), Mind Australia, Council of the Ageing Queensland.

Croakey notes that many contributors in recent years have raised concerns about the Queensland Government’s punitive justice policies, and failure to invest in evidence-based strategies for reducing incarceration, including through addressing social determinants of health.

2026-27 Queensland Budget resources

News reports and analysis

Boosts prevention, primary care

Royal Australian College of GPs

The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) has welcomed key health investments in the Queensland Budget, particularly funding aimed at prevention, immunisation, and improving access for vulnerable communities.

RACGP Queensland Chair Dr Cathryn Hester said the budget included several measures that recognise the vital role of general practice in keeping communities healthy and out of hospital.

“We’re pleased to see a $37.5 million investment over five years to deliver kindy health checks,” she said.

“Early identification of developmental, behavioural, and health concerns is crucial. Supporting children at the earliest stages of life enables better long-term health outcomes and reduces pressure on the health system down the track.”

The RACGP also welcomed the Government’s ongoing $31 million commitment to influenza immunisation programs.

“Vaccination is one of the most effective and cost-efficient ways to protect the community,” Dr Hester said. “Ensuring continued access to free or funded flu vaccinations will help reduce illness, hospitalisations, and pressure on frontline services, especially during winter.”

The College noted reforms to the patient travel subsidy scheme as a positive step toward improving equity of access.

“Queenslanders in rural and remote areas often face significant costs and barriers when accessing care,” Dr Hester said. “Changes to travel subsidies are an important part of making healthcare more accessible, regardless of where you live.”

The RACGP also welcomed investment in essential infrastructure for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, including 21 new projects to improve drinking water and wastewater management, supported by $74 million through the Closing the Gap Priorities Fund.

“Safe water and sanitation are fundamental to good health outcomes,” Dr Hester said. “These investments address critical social determinants of health and will contribute to better long-term outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”

The RACGP welcomed the Queensland Government’s stated intention to maintain a policy environment that supports the viability of general practice, including messaging around avoiding unnecessary increases to payroll and land tax.

“General practices are small businesses delivering essential healthcare,” Dr Hester said. “Keeping payroll and land tax settings stable and sustainable is critical to ensuring practices can continue to operate, employ staff, and provide accessible care to their communities.”

The RACGP also acknowledged the Government’s significant $450 million investment in specialist homelessness services, including funding for additional crisis accommodation.

“People experiencing homelessness face significant and complex health challenges,” Dr Hester said. “Increased investment in homelessness services and crisis accommodation will help improve access to care and support better health outcomes for some of Queensland’s most vulnerable people.”

Importantly, the RACGP noted the Government’s statement in the Budget speech that it does not support the establishment of state-owned GP services.

“We support a strong, independent general practice sector working in partnership with government,” Dr Hester said. “Investing in existing community-based GP care is the most efficient and effective way to strengthen primary care and deliver for patients.”

Dr Hester said the RACGP looks forward to continuing to work with the Queensland Government to ensure funding translates into improved access to high-quality, patient-centred care.

“There is always more to be done, but this budget includes welcome steps that recognise the essential role of general practice,” she said.

The RACGP Queensland Pre-Budget Submission 2026–27 is available online.

Bigger growth in health spending needed

Australian Medical Association Queensland

The 2026-27 Queensland budget has taken a “business as usual” approach to the health sector, according to the state’s peak doctors organisation.

AMA Queensland President, Associate Professor Erica Gannon, said the $35.5 billion dollar health budget represented only a 7.25 percent increase on last year’s.

“We needed the health budget to grow by more than 9 percent just to keep pace with increased population, demand and CPI.

“While we always welcome all health investment, Queenslanders are struggling to get healthcare now, especially in our regional areas.”

Assoc Prof Gannon said new spending in this year’s budget included $297 million for Surgery Connect.

“This is a short-term measure that will help bring down surgical waiting lists, but we need to increase public hospital capacity to deliver more timely treatment to Queenslanders no matter where they live.

“We acknowledge the modest increase in the fuel rebate component of the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme.

“The extra 11 cents per kilometre will give some relief to rural and regional Queenslanders forced to travel for the treatment they need, but increased investment in public hospital funding would allow more of these patients to be treated closer to home.”

AMA Queensland was also disappointed not to see the government’s workforce plan released today. Queensland Health’s own data shows the state needs 6000 extra doctors by 2032.

“Doctors, nurses and allied health professionals form the backbone of our health workforce,” Assoc Prof Gannon said.

“We acknowledge workforce planning is a complex issue but we need to see the government’s plan on how it intends to build our future workforce to fill the projected shortfalls.

“Without a long term plan we can’t attract and keep doctors in places and specialities where they’re needed.”

Also missing from the budget were details on how and when the state’s mental health levy will be spent. “Queenslanders rightly want these funds spent on programs that keep people out of crisis mental health situations.

“People must get mental healthcare as well as screening programs, specialist appointments and elective surgery when they need it.”

Falls short on cost of living and housing crisis

Queensland Council of Social Service

This budget was an opportunity for the Queensland Government to look into the eyes of families and say: we understand what you’re going through. To provide cost-of-living relief in the context of a twin living and housing crisis. What we’ve seen so far falls short of that moment.

While we welcome the continuation of existing cost-of-living subsidies for some households, families need a clear vision and plan for the challenges they are facing right now – not a focus on the rear-view mirror.

Community organisations are essential social infrastructure, but they are under growing pressure. Committed indexation of 3.31 percent is not keeping pace with inflation or wage growth, making it harder to deliver critical services.

QCOSS is calling on the Premier to honour for pre-election commitment to fair indexation, five-year default agreements, timely contract renewals, and procurement reform that supports a sustainable sector.

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Much needed boost for mental health

Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP)

Queensland’s State Budget provides a much-needed boost to the delivery of mental health services for Queenslanders.

Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) Queensland Chair, Prof Brett Emmerson, said the $1.645 billion over 5 years allocated in the budget is a big step in the right direction when it comes to mental health funding in the state. The final recurrent increase to budget is $418 million.

The funds are to be raised from a payroll levy – similar to that in place in Victoria – a move which has the support of the RANZCP Queensland Branch.

“The budget shows the Queensland Government is serious about delivering the mental health services that Queenslanders deserve,” Prof Emmerson said.

“Queenslanders deserve a world-class mental health system and this additional funding moves us closer to achieving that. It’s not going to fix all the issues overnight, but it’s a big step in the right direction.

“The five years of funding provided in the budget will go some way to providing the long-term certainty we need to see. It allows for longer term workforce and service planning, which is critical in this space.

Prof Emmerson said the boost to funding follows the recent recommendations of the mental health inquiry.

“The Queensland Government, and in particular the Minister, should be congratulated for listening to the concerns from the frontline that were voiced through the Inquiry and for acting swiftly to address them.

Prof Emmerson said the RANZCP Queensland Branch looks forward to working with the government on the detail of exactly how the funding will be delivered.

“Having frontline workers involved in the strategic planning around how exactly these funds will be allocated and delivered is critical, so we’re looking forward to working closely with the Queensland Government on that.”

Welcome investment in social and community housing

Mind Australia

Mind Australia welcomes the Queensland Government’s $400 million commitment over the next four years to fund new and existing mental health services, announced in the 2026/2027 Queensland Budget.

Funded through the Queensland Mental Health Levy, the commitment includes 30 new perinatal mental health beds and funding to place experienced mental health nurses in emergency departments across Queensland. These specialist nursing roles will help create better links between emergency departments and community mental health services, reduce pressure on overstretched emergency departments, and improve outcomes for people experiencing mental distress.

The $400 million commitment also includes the development and delivery of two new Youth Step Up Step Down (YSUSD) services in Rockhampton and Townsville.

YSUSD services are a critical part of Queensland’s mental health system. They support young people transitioning back into the community following a hospital stay, while also providing a community-based alternative to hospital admission for young people experiencing mental health distress.

At Mind, we see the life-changing value of Youth Step Up Step Down services every day, including through our services in Caboolture and Logan.

“YSUSD services play a vital role in our mental health system by helping young people access the right support at the right time, ensuring they have the care they need to navigate moments of crisis and build lasting pathways to wellbeing,” Mind’s Executive Director of Operations in Queensland, Denise Cumming, said.

“The model is proven to reduce pressure on hospitals by providing short-term, intensive recovery-focused support in a community setting. Care is tailored to each young person’s strengths, goals and preferences, delivered through a combination of one-on-one and group-based support.

“This investment is a welcome step towards ensuring more young Queenslanders can access the support they need, closer to home.”

Queensland’s Mental Health Levy was introduced in 2023, but a recent Queensland Audit Office report found shortfalls in how the levy had been managed and evidence of money being spent on programs outside its scope. Mind welcomes the Queensland Government’s commitment to directing revenue raised through the Mental Health Levy towards mental health support services, as originally intended.

Mind also commends the Queensland Government for committing an additional $1 billion for social and community housing as part of its goal of delivering 53,500 social and community homes by 2044.

“Safe, secure and stable housing is one of the strongest foundations for mental health and recovery,” Ms Cumming said.

“Investment in social and community housing is an investment in mental wellbeing. We know that when people have a safe place to call home, they are better able to focus on their recovery, maintain connections with their community and build the life they want.

“The Queensland Government should be commended for its continued investment in social and community housing. This investment recognises the ongoing housing and cost-of-living pressures facing Queenslanders, and will help more people access safe and affordable housing.”

Significant investment

Council of the Ageing Queensland

The 2026 to 2027 Queensland Budget includes welcome investment in areas that matter to older Queenslanders, including healthcare, cost of living relief, housing, transport, patient travel and support to remain safe and independent at home.

The Budget’s health investment is significant and welcome. With Queensland Health total expenses estimated at more than $31 billion and major commitments to hospital capacity, patient travel support and additional beds, this is a substantial investment in services older Queenslanders rely on.

Good access to healthcare is essential for older people to live well. It supports people to manage health conditions, see a doctor or specialist when needed, receive timely surgery or treatment, recover well, and return home safely with the right support around them.

Cost of living relief is also very important. Electricity rebates, pensioner rates and water subsidies, medical energy concessions and other concessions can help people living on pensions or modest retirement incomes. Permanent 50 cent public transport fares are especially welcome. Affordable transport helps older people get to medical appointments, shops, services, volunteering, family, friends and community activities. It also helps people stay connected, which is vital when loneliness and social isolation are affecting many older Queenslanders.

Housing remains one of the biggest pressures. More social and community housing is welcome. For older Queenslanders, homes need to remain affordable, safe, accessible, well maintained and close to transport, healthcare, shops and community supports. Older rental tenants also need greater security, especially those living on fixed or modest incomes who may not be able to manage sudden rent increases, moving costs or unsuitable housing. Queensland can look to calls being made in other states for practical action, including targeted older persons housing packages, faster repairs and maintenance in social housing, stronger tenancy support, specialist older persons housing services, and clear targets for homes that are accessible, affordable and suitable for ageing in place.

The Budget should also be judged by how well it protects older people from abuse and mistreatment. The Queensland Government has done important work through the Parliamentary Inquiry, listening to evidence and identifying where action is needed. That work now needs to move into implementation. Protecting vulnerable older adults must be a priority area of action for this Government.

Queensland needs a strong system to prevent and respond to abuse and mistreatment of older adults. This means making sure people know where to go for help, can get trusted advice early, and can access specialist support when situations are complex or unsafe. Support can look like readily available community education, clear referral pathways, and knowing where to find services that respond to financial abuse, coercive control, neglect, emotional and physical harm, and misuse of trust. All forms of support must be visible and available across Queensland including in regional and rural communities.

COTA Queensland looks forward to working constructively with the Queensland Government to build on the positive investments in this Budget and ensure they deliver practical benefits for older Queenslanders.

This Budget makes important investments in the systems older people rely on. Into the new financial year, we want to see those investments reach people in their daily lives, and that Queensland builds a stronger, better resourced system to prevent and respond to abuse and mistreatment of older adults.

The Queensland Budget includes a range of measures relevant to older Queenslanders, carers, families and communities. Key measures include:

Health, hospitals and care

  • Queensland Health total expenses are estimated at $31.486 billion in 2026 to 2027.
  • The Budget identifies health priorities including reducing ambulance ramping, improving services, recruiting more health workers and stabilising elective surgery waitlists.
  • Commitment to delivering more than 2,600 additional hospital beds through the Hospital Rescue Plan, including three new hospitals and ten major expansions and upgrades.
  • Providing $11.7 million in 2026 to 2027 to strengthen the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme, including increasing the private vehicle fuel subsidy from 34 cents to 45 cents per kilometre and improving processing times.
  • $11.6 million in 2026 to 2027 for 34 interim care beds in Wide Bay to support patient flow and reduce delayed discharge.
  • The Oral Health Scheme provides free dental care to eligible clients and their dependants who hold a relevant concession or seniors card.
  • The Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme funds aids and equipment to help eligible Queenslanders live at home and avoid premature or inappropriate residential care or hospitalisation.

Cost of living and transport

  • The Budget forecasts about $9.285 billion in concessions for Queenslanders in 2026 to 2027.
  • The Electricity Rebate Scheme is indexed to provide a $399 rebate for eligible households, including Pensioner Concession Card holders, Queensland Seniors Card holders, Health Care Card holders and eligible veterans.
  • The Pensioner Rate Subsidy Scheme provides a 20 per cent subsidy up to $200 per year for eligible pensioners.
  • The South East Queensland Pensioner Water Subsidy Scheme provides up to $120 per year for eligible pensioner property owners.
  • The Budget confirms permanent 50 cent public transport fares.

Housing and support at home

  • $5.725 billion social and community housing capital program over four years from 2026 to 2027.
  • Support to continue delivery of 53,500 social and community homes by 2044.
  • The Budget provides $450.1 million over four years and $27.4 million per year ongoing to 2036 to 2037 for frontline housing and homelessness services, including Specialist Homelessness Services and peak and industry bodies.
  • The Budget provides $83.4 million over three years to support private rental market tenancy assistance programs.
  • Home Assist Secure supports homeowners and people in rental housing who are 60 years or older, or who live with disability, and who need assistance to remain living in their home. The Budget estimates that more than 28,000 households will be assisted in 2026 to 2027.

Older people, carers and community voice

  • The Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety says it will continue to ensure government policies, programs and services are age friendly and support people to participate as vital members of the community.
  • The Department says it will support Queensland seniors to live active, healthy lives where they are connected to their community, cared for and recognised for their contribution.
  • The Department says it will deliver cost of living relief through the Seniors Card scheme to eligible seniors.
  • The Seniors and Disability Services area includes funding for peak bodies for seniors and carers to advocate for the rights and wellbeing of older Queenslanders and unpaid carers.
  • The Budget sets a 2026 to 2027 target that 88% of eligible seniors will hold a Seniors Card, Seniors Card plus go, or Seniors Business Discount Card.

Abuse and mistreatment of older adults

  • The Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety says it will work with relevant ministers to implement the Government response to the Parliamentary Inquiry into Elder Abuse.
  • The Department also says it will support Queensland’s contribution to the National Plan to End the Abuse and Mistreatment of Older Australians 2026 to 2032.
  • The Department identifies investment in services that target elder abuse prevention and intervention.

See Croakey’s archive of articles on federal and state budgets