What’s Happening?
The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments jointly announced a major investment to deliver a new Academy for Health Sciences in Rockhampton. The initiative will fast-track high-achieving students in Years 10 to 12 into careers as doctors, nurses, paramedics, and allied health professionals.
The new Academy is designed to strengthen Medicare, build a pipeline of regional health workers, and give local students a clear path into the healthcare industry—without needing to move away from their communities.
Why It Matters
This Academy marks a major shift in how regional Queensland supports and develops future healthcare professionals. By embedding health sciences education at the high school level, the program allows students to begin university-level studies early and build local career pathways.
Federal Minister for Education Jason Clare said, “This is an important investment which will support young people in Central Queensland to become nurses, paramedics and doctors. This is all about building a better and fairer education system and strengthening the pipeline of key workers that regional Queensland needs.”
The Albanese Government is contributing $80 million toward the project, adding to the existing commitment made by the Crisafulli Government. Together, they aim to make Rockhampton the site of Queensland’s first regionally based Queensland Academy.
Local Impact
The Academy will cater specifically to students from Years 10 to 12. It will offer early access to university-level health science content, including credit towards degrees at Central Queensland University (CQU)—a direct partnership that the Crisafulli Government is seeking to establish.
Importantly, this means students can stay in Rockhampton and continue their education close to family and community. They won’t need to relocate to Brisbane or other cities to pursue a career in health.
Queensland Minister for Education and the Arts John-Paul Langbroek welcomed the federal funding and affirmed the state’s commitment. “This funding contribution from the Albanese Government is incredibly significant. Coupled with the planning and consultation work we’ve already done, this election commitment is well underway. The Academy will help students across Central Queensland who are interested in a health career to connect with professionals in health sciences and research.
I look forward to continuing to work with State Health Minister Tim Nicholls and our local MPs to fulfil our commitment to deliver this vital project for Central Queensland.”
The final location for the Academy will be confirmed following further planning and consultation led by the Crisafulli Government.
By the Numbers:
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$80 million: Federal contribution to support the Academy’s establishment.
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$7.2 billion: Total investment by the Albanese Government into the Bruce Highway safety upgrade—another major regional infrastructure boost.
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Record high: Regional enrolments in Queensland’s Regional Medical Pathway program, highlighting the growing interest and need for local health education.
Zoom In
The Academy is expected to connect students with professionals in health sciences, medicine, and research, giving them real-world exposure early in their education journey. With the proposed CQU partnership, students will receive academic credit towards university degrees while still in high school—a model that builds confidence, reduces barriers, and accelerates career pathways.
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King reinforced this broader regional investment: “The Albanese Government is delivering the infrastructure and facilities our communities need.
This health sciences academy is part of our landmark investment in Central Queensland, alongside the $7.2 billion being invested by the Australian Government in the Bruce Highway safety upgrade.”
The Academy aligns with national goals to boost regional education access, expand health services, and develop place-based career pathways for young Australians.
Zoom Out
This initiative forms part of a growing push to equip regional areas with the tools and talent they need to meet future challenges in health care. Across Australia, governments are recognising the benefits of investing early in education and linking it directly to workforce demand.
In 2024, Queensland saw a record number of students from outside metro areas progress through the Regional Medical Pathway—a sign that regional youth are eager to serve their communities as healthcare professionals.
By launching this Academy in Rockhampton, the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments are backing that momentum and building a model that could be replicated across other regions.
What To Look For Next?
The Crisafulli Government is leading planning and consultation to determine the Academy’s final site. Community engagement, university partnership formalisation, and curriculum design are expected to follow. Updates on construction, staffing, and the first intake of students will likely be released in the coming months.
