Bundamba MP Lance McCallum has taken aim at the state government, voicing concerns over delayed hospital expansions, Ipswich’s Olympic snub, and energy policy decisions ahead of the federal election.
Health System Under Pressure
McCallum joined local MPs Jen Howard and Charise Mullen, along with Opposition Leader Stephen Miles and Shadow Health Spokesperson Mark Bailey, outside Ipswich Hospital, criticising the government’s handling of healthcare.
“We’re worried about the fact that our local public healthcare is going backwards under the Chrisifulli government,” McCallum said.
He pointed to increasing ambulance ramping rates despite election promises to fix the issue, along with a review delaying the Ipswich Hospital Stage 2 expansion—which was set to deliver 200 additional beds and a larger emergency department.
“What we just found out earlier this week is it’s been confirmed that the Queensland Cancer Center, part of this expansion, is delayed by at least three years and won’t be coming until 2031 at the earliest,” McCallum said.
Ipswich Overlooked for Olympics Investment
McCallum also expressed frustration over Ipswich being left out of major infrastructure investments for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“Just about every other local government area in Southeast Queensland—from Redlands to Logan to Moreton Bay—has secured lasting infrastructure. But Ipswich has missed out entirely, and that is wholly and solely at the feet of the state government,” he said.
While Toowoomba will host Olympic equestrian events and other regions benefit from transport and sports infrastructure, McCallum believes Ipswich was overlooked—missing out on opportunities like the Springfield to Ipswich Rail Loop.
McCallum vowed to continue advocating for Ipswich’s fair share of investment and infrastructure, urging the government to fast-track hospital expansions and reconsider its Olympic funding priorities.
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