The Australian Government has agreed to contribute $80 million in federal funding towards the establishment of a new Academy for Health Sciences in Rockhampton.
The Academy will boost the pipeline of health workers in regional Queensland by helping to fast track high-achieving local students into careers as doctors, nurses, paramedics and allied health professionals.
The Academy will cater for students from Year 10 to 12 and allow them to gain credit for university health science degrees while still at secondary school, and follow their passion for health sciences without needing to move away from their families or communities.
The Rockhampton campus will be the first regionally-based Queensland Academy, and the Queensland Government will seek to establish a direct partnership with Central Queensland University.
The Australian Government’s $80 million investment will complement the Queensland Government’s existing commitment to this key regional project.
Premier Mr David Crisafulli welcomed the Commonwealth’s financial backing of the project.
“The funding boost from the Federal Government will provide more education opportunities for high achieving students in Central Queensland and fast track them into the health career of their choice,” Premier Crisafulli said.
“We are reinforcing the ranks of regional health services to ensure every Queenslander, no matter where they live, has access to quality healthcare.”
Federal Education Minister Mr Jason Clare said the Commonwealth’s investment was important to support young people in Central Queensland to pursue health careers.
“This is all about building a better and fairer education system and strengthening the pipeline of key workers that regional Queensland needs,” Minister Clare said.
Minister for Education Mr John-Paul Langbroek said the Academy will help to connect students interested in a health career to professionals in health sciences and research.
“The Crisafulli Government is delivering on our key election commitment to secure a pipeline of regional health workers for the future, with this Academy in Rockhampton,” Minister Langbroek said.
“This funding contribution from the Albanese Government is incredibly significant, coupled with the planning and consultation work we’ve already done, this election commitment is well underway.
“Since the election we have put this project on the agenda with meetings with Central Queensland University, to ensure this is moving forward as a major priority for this region.
“The details of the Academy’s implementation remain under consideration, but I look forward to continuing to work with Health Minister Tim Nicholls and our local MPs to fulfill our commitment to deliver this vital project for Central Queensland.”
Member for Rockhampton Ms Donna Kirkland said the funding amplified the need to support Queensland’s regional health and education systems.
“I have always pushed that those who study in the regions, stay in the regions,” Mrs Kirkland said.
“This is an incredible opportunity for high achieving students locally and across central Queensland to expedite studies that land them in medical professions sooner, feeding into our high regional workforce demands.”
