Statement attributable to Fiona Scalon, National Ambulance Co-ordinator, United Workers Union:

“We welcome the opportunity for ambulance services in WA to be put on the right track.

“This is a crucial point in time for the WA Government to take decisive steps to ensure ambulance services are run for the benefit of the WA community.

“Government has already taken the unprecedented step of inserting senior Department of Health and Police operatives into SJA headquarters. Now is a further opportunity to look at how ambulance operations can be supported.

“The recent parliamentary inquiry gives the WA Government the foundations to bring the service in to government hands.

“The move by the Government to take responsibility for operating ambulance services would mean the WA community is no longer at the whim of a private provider and its board, with the bottom line, sadly, as their primary priority.

“We are not surprised the CEO has taken the decision to leave a service that has been run into the ground, on her watch.

“The CEO has been part of an ambulance service with systemic problems.

“The WA Government needs to put the safety of the WA community as the first priority, which would be a welcome change for people in health emergencies and a welcome change for hard-working paramedics and ambulance staff.”

ENDS  

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