The ACT Ambulance Service (ACTAS) is to receive a funding boost under the upcoming budget to ensure it can meet additional demand in the years ahead.
Announced by Chief Minister Andrew Barr, the extra funding is to deliver additional intensive care paramedics, an intensive care paramedic program and additional triple zero call centre positions.
“This investment into ACTAS will also help our paramedics maintain their excellent response times and support long-term staff wellbeing,” Mr Barr said.
“The funding will also support further reform of the ACTAS organisational structure to improve operational performance and service delivery, enhance staff wellbeing and provide professional development opportunities to foster a more resilient, adaptive, and capable workforce,” he said.
“The Budget will also include additional funding for ongoing vehicle expenses, an updated fit-out to the Communications Centre, and modernised ICT infrastructure.”
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Mick Gentleman said ACTAS was currently experiencing significant demand.
“This budget initiative will enable our paramedics to continue to meet the growing needs of the community while innovating to improve ambulance services,” Mr Gentleman said.
“The ACT Government remains committed to working with ACT Ambulance Staff (ACTAS) staff, the Transport Workers Union and Emergency Services Agency to support our paramedics and modernise our ambulance service.”
The ACT’s 2022-23 Budget is to be delivered next Tuesday, 2 August.
