Bill McDonald says the state government needs to get its priorities in order as the Princess Alexandra Hospital struggles to get its costs in order. 

A leaked email has revealed the hospital is tracking toward a $9 million cost blowout despite a $103.3 million increase in the Metro South ’22-’23 budget.

PA Hospital’s Division of Medicine chair Judy Flores said it’s likely the cost, which is the equivalent to the operating expenses of two wards, will be cut in wages in other parts of the hospital.

“So overworked and underpaid staff cop it in the neck again, by the sound of that,” Bill said. “How can a hospital be expected to pull a $9 million rabbit out of a hat?”

While the Health Minister insists the overrun has not come as a result of budget cuts, Bill McDonald said more could be done to prop up the struggling health sector.

“I think they should get their house in order first before they go announcing all these bright, shiny things [like] a science hub,” he continued.

The state government this morning announced a $280 million partnership with French pharmaceutical company Sanofi to develop an mRNA vaccine hub in Queensland.

“We can waste $200 million on that white elephant Wellcamp, throw billions at the Olympics, but you’ve got bureaucrats demanding $9 million in savings from the PA Hospital. It’s not right!”

Press PLAY below to hear Bill’s comments in full 

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