- More Queenslanders will have the chance to start nursing careers with an additional 2,000 free Diploma of Nursing training places on offer in 2027.
- The additional 2,000 Free Nursing places will support health services across Queensland as the State’s population and healthcare needs continue to grow.
- The Crisafulli Government is rebuilding Queensland’s skilled worker pipeline after Labor’s decade of decline left the State facing dire workforce shortages and created Labor’s Health Crisis.
The Crisafulli Government is opening the door for more Queenslanders to become enrolled nurses, and strengthening Queensland’s health frontline, with a further 2,000 Free Nursing places on offer across the State in 2027.
Thousands of future nurses will be trained for careers in Queensland’s hospitals and healthcare system through fully-subsidised Diploma of Nursing places to be delivered by TAFE Queensland, Mater Education and CQUniversity.
Labor’s decade of decline left Queensland’s health system on life support with 20 per cent of the workforce at or nearing retirement age, and persistent staff shortages across rural and remote parts of the State.
In stark contrast, the Crisafulli Government has added more than 10,000 additional health workers to the system, including more than 7,200 frontline doctors, nurses and allied health workers, since being elected to deliver a fresh start.
Jobs Queensland data projects the Health Care and Social Assistance industry to be the State’s fastest growing to 2028-29, with nurses forming a significant portion of the workforce needed.
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said the next intake of Free Nursing students would continue to bolster the State’s pipeline of health workers.
“After Labor left Queensland’s health system in a shocking condition, the Crisafulli Government is rebuilding our healthcare workforce to deliver Queenslanders the services they deserve when and where they need them,” Minister Bates said.
“Having worked as a nurse and health administrator, I’ve seen first-hand the life-changing difference nurses make, and I know the thousands of students who take up our free Diploma of Nursing places are going to make a massive impact in the lives of Queenslanders.
“The Crisafulli Government is ensuring funding for Free Nursing to provide our future nurses with hands-on industry-relevant training, meaning graduates are entering Queensland’s hospitals and healthcare system ready to work.”
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls said the 2027 Free Nursing cohort would play a pivotal role in rebuilding Queensland’s health system after Labor’s decade of decline.
“We are building and upgrading critical health infrastructure through our Hospital Rescue Plan, and our next Free Nursing intake will ensure we’ve got a pipeline of passionate, well-trained Queenslanders ready to get to work,” Minister Nicholls said.
“The former Labor Government failed to plan for Queensland’s future, but the Crisafulli Government is ensuring we have the workforce needed to care for the whole State.”
Free Nursing graduate Fran Beard is already making the most of her qualification, getting straight to work an Enrolled Nurse at North West Private Hospital following her graduation in July.
“It’s great to know the Minister was a nurse herself, and chatting at my graduation made me realise her passion for our industry,” Ms Beard said.
“I’ve wanted to be a nurse since I was six years old and had worked as a midwife in the UK before moving to Australia, but my qualifications weren’t transferable.
“Free training meant I could re-join the industry I love and work helping people when they need it most. It took away the biggest barrier to this career.”
The additional 2,000 free Diploma of Nursing places will be available through TAFE Queensland, CQUniversity and Mater Education.
