Queenslanders living in regional parts of the state can expect jobs to flow in the state budget, Treasurer Jackie Trad has promised, but the Liberal National Party says they will be worse off.
The lion's share of spending in the 2019/20 budget to be handed down on Tuesday will benefit regional towns and cities, as well as slash spending to deal with state debt.
"We can't have a strong economy if we don't have strong regions," she said on Monday.
Federal Labor was smashed in regional electorates at last month's national election, creating concerns for state Labor as it prepares for its own election next year.
But the Liberal National Party opposition says the government has its priorities all wrong and is failing the Sunshine State.
"This will be a budget of more taxes, more debt, and fewer jobs," party leader Deb Frecklington said.
"Jackie Trad clearly doesn't have a plan for regional Queensland."
The government projected a net operating surplus of $193 million for the new 2019/20 financial year, according to its mid-year update released in December.
Ms Trad and Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk have not ruled out new taxes, and Ms Trad won't say if the last estimate for total government debt of $83 billion by 2021/22 would remain.
Tuesday's budget will include a record $13 billion for education, and $19.2 billion for health, with the government promising more doctors, nurses, paramedics and new health infrastructure.
"We are delivering record health and education budgets and we are focused on jobs," Ms Palaszczuk said.
The budget will also include $620 million for a new 1000-bed jail for adult men at Gatton to ease overcrowding in the state's prison system and billions of dollars worth of household subsidies.
Ms Trad has promised to deliver a surplus, despite a drop in stamp duties, the state's GST share and a hefty bill for cleaning up after natural disasters.
But she says the government must keep spending to keep some heat in the economy.
