LNP Queensland

Minister can’t ignore ambos’ call for probe

Last Updated (DATE_FORMAT_LC2) DATE_FORMAT_LC2

22 August 2008

The Bligh government could no longer ignore the mounting calls for an open and independent inquiry into the State’s Ambulance Service from frustrated and angry paramedics, the State Opposition said today.

LNP emergency services spokesman Ted Malone said the clear evidence of worn-out paramedics being bombarded with calls to cover for staff shortages should alone warrant an independent inquiry, but with Minister Roberts in absolute denial, angry staff had nowhere to turn.

"The Opposition has been calling for a full and open inquiry into the staffing and management of the QAS because the Beattie-Bligh government has left this vital portfolio in the hands of a string of junior and incompetent Ministers," Mr Malone said.

"Like hospitals, ambulance services are far too important to be left in the hands of incompetent Ministers where staff are continually over-worked, stressed out and hassled to work on their days off to cover for serious staff shortages right across the State.

"Ambulance officers are being bombarded with text messages and phone calls on their days off to front-up for work even though they might have just finished a 12-hour shift and a 10-hour ‘on-call’.

"Last week we had the appalling situation at Cardwell where a student paramedic was left in charge for seven hours …and the Minister has nothing to say ….except that everything’s fine.

"The people of Queensland were promised the world’s best ambulance service when Labor brought in its ambulance tax …but all we’re getting is more of the same …chronic staff shortages and dedicated paramedics too scared to speak out publicly for fear of being bullied and harassed."