Elective surgeries to restore mobility, independence and quality of life will be delivered sooner as the Crisafulli Government continues its Surgery Connect program.

Bolstered by a $247 million investment in the 2026/2027 State Budget the Surgery Connect program has already delivered more than 35,000 additional procedures to Queenslanders with the renewed funding adding 11 new service providers across regions including Mackay and Townsville.

Member for Burdekin Dale Last said the addition of new service providers and bolstered funding was good news for anyone waiting on life changing surgery with thousands of additional procedures supported by the program.

“Procedures like cataract surgery, joint replacements and ear nose and throat surgeries significantly improve a patient’s quality of life,” Mr Last said.

“Research has proven that long delays waiting for these procedures means symptoms worsen, pain increases and there is an impact on the patient’s mental health.”

“This is why we are partnering with providers to ensure these patients can access these surgeries sooner.”

Mr Last said the Crisafulli Government’s $1.8 billion investment in elective surgery had already provided positive results for patients with elective surgery wait list fell to 58,496 after a decade of Labor decline saw the list skyrocket year-on-year to a high of 66,632.

“Since February 2025 more than 35,000 procedures have been delivered and in turn helped stabilise the Queensland elective surgery waitlist.”

“Besides the obvious benefits for patients, Surgery Connect reduces the pressure on our health staff who, through no fault of their own, have been forced to delay surgeries.”