Bundamba MP Lance McCallum has urged locals to roll up their sleeves for flu vaccinations, while also raising concerns over the State Government’s handling of Queensland’s Chief Health Officer appointment and cuts to battery strategy funding.
Speaking on West Bremer Radio, Mr McCallum said leaders must “set an example” during one of Queensland’s worst flu seasons. “I’ve had my flu jab and I encourage everyone to see their GP or pharmacist and get protected. It’s pretty fair and reasonable for the Premier to be open with Queenslanders too,” he said.
The Australian Medical Association of Queensland has stressed the importance of visible leadership in boosting vaccination rates.
Mr McCallum also criticised the government’s decision to block the appointment of Dr Hakuwicz as Chief Health Officer despite his selection through a merit-based recruitment process. “Queenslanders deserve to know why the Premier and Deputy Premier overruled their own Health Minister,” he said, highlighting the ongoing flu season as a reason why the position should not remain vacant.
Locally, Mr McCallum said the scrapping of $104 million from the Queensland Battery Strategy — including $3.4 million earmarked for a National Battery Industrialisation Centre at Swanbank — was a major blow for the region. “We could have been leading the nation with jobs and innovation here in Ipswich. Instead, the funding’s been redirected,” he said.
Despite the political tensions, Mr McCallum has been active in the community, attending the Ripley Valley Car Show, which featured 130 vehicles and raised money for the local high school P&C, and the Redbank Palms Seniors Expo alongside Federal MP Milton Dick.
Mr McCallum praised the events for showcasing Ipswich’s strong community spirit, saying they highlight the need for investment in job-creating infrastructure and local services.
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