Figures from the Mount Isa Hospital show the nursing headcount increased from 172.26 (full-time equivalent) in December 2011, and spiked at 185 in December after the 2012 state election.

The numbers dropped to 172 in December 2013 and spiked again at 183 in December 2014.

State member for Mount Isa and KAP candidate Rob Katter said cutting back nurses puts pressure on front-line services. 

“It’s unquestionable that there have been cut backs in health,” Katter said. 

“I’m in favour of having cost-effective health services; it’s not just cuts about cutting nurses services it’s about the other health services as well. 

“There have definitely been cutbacks in those areas and when you cut back those services it puts pressure on the front lines it’s the same that has happened with police. 

“The biggest point I want to make is if there are further threats to health jobs I won’t be forced by my party to deliver the message. 

“I am the only one that can guarantee that I will put up a fight and very publicly have the attitude to stop it.”

Mount Isa Labor candidate Simon Tayler said his party had a patient safety first policy. 

‘‘Labor has implemented a patient safety first policy when it comes to nursing,” he said. 

“The added benefit is that we are able to decrease workload on our nurses who are already at breaking point.”

‘‘As a police officer, I work closely with our nurses and I have seen first-hand the pressure they are under as a direct result of the cuts the LNP have made.

Queensland Premier Campbell Newman trumped Labor’s promise of 400 extra nurses by pledging to fund 2654 extra front-line health staff.

The $583.4 million announcement is for an extra 490 doctors, 1700 nurses and 464 health practitioners over three years.

Labor’s plan is for over four years at a cost of $100 million.