Queensland will welcome 1,036 new graduate nurses this month, with 89 starting their careers in the Ipswich region and surrounds.

Assistant Minister for Hydrogen Development and the 50% Renewable Energy Target by 2030 and Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum welcomed the graduates to the Ipswich area.

“I am delighted to see these graduates put their studies into practice in our community here in Ipswich, where they will have the opportunity to begin an engaging career in our health system,” Mr McCallum said.

“There are challenges facing the healthcare system across Australia, and that is why I am so proud that we are growing and retaining our health workforce here in Ipswich.

“Since 2015, the Palaszczuk Government has rebuilt funding to Queensland’s hospital and healthcare system, and restored our healthcare workforce.”

Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard said the new graduate nurses would play a crucial role in delivering healthcare to the community in the broader Ipswich area.

“On behalf of the community, I want to wish the new nurses and midwives all the best for their careers and thank them for dedicating their lives to such a noble profession,” Ms Howard said.

“They join thousands of hardworking health staff across our region and some 1,201 extra frontline staff employed at West Moreton Hospital and Health Service since the Palaszczuk Government was elected in 2015.”

Assistant Minister for Treasury and Member for Jordan Charis Mullen said the announcement followed the continued delivery of major health infrastructure projects in the area.

“I am proud to say Ipswich Hospital’s $146.3 million expansion and upgrade is well underway and has already added new state-of-the-art treatment spaces and a new 26-bed ward,” Ms Mullen said.

“And the development of a business case for Stage 2 of the expansion and refurbishment is well underway.”

Member for Ipswich West Jim Madden said Queensland Health was built on the skills and professionalism of its workforce.

“That is why the Palaszczuk Government has invested a record $23.6 billion into health this financial year and committed to hiring an additional 9,475 health professionals in this term of government,” Mr Madden said.

“This commitment adds up to nearly 10,000 more staff on hand to deliver world class health care to Queenslanders and their families.”