A new inquiry will probe the performance of Victoria’s ambulance service as Gippsland patients continue to be underserved and local paramedics struggle with an enormous workload.
The Nationals and Liberals last week successfully passed a motion to establish a Parliamentary inquiry into the performance, workplace culture and procurement practices of Ambulance Victoria.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien said he was pleased that the motion was supported despite opposition from the Allan Labor Government.
“I recently met with local paramedics to discuss the continued obstacles they are facing every day and it is clear they are overworked and under-resourced.
“Our first responders are burnt out and frustrated at the ongoing mismanagement of Ambulance Victoria and the wider health care system within Victoria.
“One of the key frustrations is a poorly performing triage system that sees paramedics tied up with minor ailments, often leaving serious cases waiting too long for an ambulance.”
Mr O’Brien said Ambulance Victoria has been failing to meet response time targets for many years now with ambulances left ramping outside our regional hospitals becoming the new norm.
In the most recent data, only 45 per cent of ambulances reached their patient within 15 minutes in South Gippsland Shire while it was only 55 per cent in Wellington. This is against targets of 85 per cent.
“It is simply not acceptable for ambulances to sit ramped outside overwhelmed emergency departments while paramedics from other districts are forced to respond to any additional emergency calls leaving their own district without coverage.
“I am also aware that we have had situations where taxis are being called to replace ambulances and fire trucks are being despatched to triple zero calls.”
The Legal and Social Issues Committee will inquire into these and other related matters and report back to Parliament by 31 August 2025.
“Labor cannot manage money and cannot manage our health system, and Gippslanders continue to pay the price.”