Labor promises 400 new nurses for Queensland in election bid

Queensland Labor leader Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced a $110 million plan to install 400 new nurses throughout the state, in the party’s first new policy of the campaign.

She made the announcement at Townsville Hospital today, insisting the “front line” of nurses had become depleted.

“They are stretched to the bone, they are working harder than ever before,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“And this is compromising patient safety.”

Labor’s policy will roll out across four years if the party is elected to government.

Convincing voters of Labor’s health credentials could be difficult, after its final months in power under the Bligh government were dominated by the health payroll scandal.

The LNP also claims waiting lists have improved since it formed government.