The Liberal government needs to start taking Tasmanian paramedics’ concerns seriously and address their increasingly untenable working conditions for their sake and the sake of Tasmanians’ health.
With more than 90 per cent of union members rejecting another wages and conditions offer from the government, it can no longer ignore the issues that have forced them into taking unprecedented industrial action.
This is not just about wages – the government knows their offer was rejected because it failed to address fatigue or ambulance ramping.
These are critical safety concerns, which have already resulted in deaths at the ramp, and paramedics’ shifts continue to go unfilled.
What will it take for the government to act on recruitment and retention of ambulance officers?
Our dedicated paramedics are the second lowest paid of any state in the country and are working themselves into the ground to keep Tasmanians safe and yet the government refuses to take the action needed.
These workplace pressures can no longer be ignored – the Premier and part-time Health Minister owes it to our overworked paramedics to listen to their concerns and take the action needed to provide a safe and sustainable workplace.
Anita Dow MP
Shadow Health Minister
