Page 25 - Week 01 - Tuesday, 12 February 2019
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
Staff at ACTAS do not have the easiest of jobs. And despite the negativity from those opposite the community can be assured that we have an excellent ambulance service, one that leads the nation. Our staff are being looked after, and this will be an ongoing process. This government is committed to working with our paramedics and all ACTAS staff.
The government continues to provide support for our ambulance workforce and remains focused on their health and welfare as we continue to meet community expectations. This is demonstrated with the significant funding packages announced during this term of government to date, which will deliver 53 additional paramedics, seven new ambulances, and powered stretchers in all operational ambulance vehicles. I want to thank and acknowledge all ACTAS staff for continuing to deliver the highest standards of response times and patient satisfaction to the ACT community while going through these significant reforms.
In closing I want to highlight that no workplace is immune from behavioural issues. I recognise the demanding and challenging role of paramedics and the social and mental impact it has on individuals. The blueprint for change reforms will not remove all of these demands and challenges. However, I am satisfied that the frameworks and mechanisms introduced as part of the blueprint for change project will support a more collegiate and harmonious work environment.
I look forward to continuing to work closely with the ESA commissioner, chief officer ACTAS, and the Transport Workers Union and staff from ACTAS to achieve this. The continued strong response performances by ACTAS clearly demonstrate that the community can continue to have full confidence in the capability and quality of ambulance services that are delivered by its frontline personnel on a daily basis.
I present a copy of the statement:
ACT Ambulance Service—Blueprint for Change—Ministerial statement, 12 February 2019.
I move:
That the Assembly take note of the paper.
MRS JONES (Murrumbidgee) (10.52): The minister has stated that making change and ensuring that our paramedics and ACTAS staff are looked after is no easy task. That is quite right, minister: it is no easy task and is clearly beyond this minister’s capacity. It is important to remember the basic facts of how paramedics have been treated under this minister. Thirty six thousand hours of overtime have been demanded of workers: over 40 per cent of all shifts were falling below the minimum crewing levels despite this huge amount of overtime, and now the minister has done away with the minimum crewing measure completely so he can avoid future scrutiny, not so his staff can enjoy an excellent work environment.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video