A message from the Premier

Hi, everyone. Today is an important day as we deliver our '26, '27 budget.

Also, this year's State of the sector report will be released, which breaks down the important role of our public service in delivering for the state.

I want to start by saying thanks for the work that's gone into the budget, and today wouldn't happen without your contribution.

We've all faced some unexpected challenges, rising interest rates, surging inflation, a national fuel crisis caused by a global war.

The budget is focused on helping Queenslanders through tough times, while properly funding your department to deliver the services a growing state needs.

I think of the work around our energy plan as proof we can make a difference to people's lives.

Staff in our energy department work with the Treasurer on an energy plan focused on affordable, reliable and sustainable electricity.

On the back of that, we've seen workers across our GOCs investing in record maintenance in our power plants with a clear plan to roll out renewable energy projects like CopperString as well.

On the back of it, Queenslanders will receive the biggest falls in power prices on record, between 7% and 8% to households and between 8% and 14% for businesses, depending on their tariff.

To our teachers and school staff, thanks for the work you do in classrooms across the state.

At the time of the last budget, I spoke about how important it was that we delivered new schools for the state.

We're now delivering 22, including eight new special schools.

To our incredible health workers, we recognise the vital work you do, and we're continuing to back you.

Already, we've seen almost 10,000 health workers added to Queensland Health in the last 18 months.

That's a growth of over 8%, and that number will grow even further.

At the same time, we're delivering three new and 10 expanded hospitals. Over 200 new beds will come online this financial year.

To those of you working across housing, we recognise your work in driving supply and unlocking homes for Queenslanders.

We're doubling the Residential Activation Fund to $1 billion to build the infrastructure needed to deliver houses and give people a chance to own a home in our state.

But good communities are compassionate communities, so we're also rolling out the largest pipeline of social and affordable homes in our state's history.

For the first time, every single police officer on the frontline will have the resources they need, things like tactical first aid kit.

There's over 700 additional officers bolstering the thin blue line, and there's more work being done to give you the laws you need to keep our community safe.

None of this can be delivered without a secure and empowered public service.

This year's State of the sector report highlights the vital role each of you play.

It shows nine out of the 10 roles in the public sector are either frontline or frontline support roles.

In the 12 months to March this year, there's been an increase of 8,693 full-time roles in the public service. 99.6% of those have either been frontline or frontline support roles that have been added.

Queensland's a big state, and I also want to call out that 63% of you are employed in regional Queensland. We are Australia's most decentralized state. I reckon we're stronger for it.

What pleased me most about the report is the overwhelming majority of you say your work has a positive impact on the lives of Queenslanders.

I couldn't agree more. I love nothing more than going somewhere and being told about a positive experience Queenslanders have had with you, whether that's renewing their license or recovering from disasters.

The main thing we want to achieve with the budget is to provide financial relief that people need with the service they deserve to ensure the confidence in the direction of the state.

We've seen some negative feedback to budgets in other jurisdictions, which is why we've taken the tough but important decision not to pay for things with new or increased taxes.

Thanks for your hard work. I'm grateful for your efforts for a state we all love.