Rescue helicopter contract in jeopardy after parliamentary inquiry
NSW Ambulance is being urged not extend contracts with Northern New South Wales Helicopter Rescue Services unless it is satisfied with ongoing workplace safety.
A parliamentary inquiry has uncovered allegations of bullying and abuse within Northern NSW Helicopter Rescue Services (NNSWHRS), prompting calls for the NSW Ambulance to reconsider extending its contract with the company. The committee's findings suggest that the safety concerns raised by multiple witnesses necessitate a closer examination of the public-private partnership.
The inquiry, which also looked into broader issues surrounding public-private healthcare partnerships, found that NNSWHRS employed staff non-disclosure agreements to stifle transparency and silence potential whistleblowers. Former employees reported being targeted by senior management and HR personnel, experiencing verbal insults and mental abuse as a result of reporting compliance concerns.
The impact of the toxic workplace culture was deemed "extreme," with several staff members rendered unable to return to the workforce. The committee also heard accusations of non-compliant record-keeping and the practice of bypassing safety training assessments. NSW Health Minister Ryan Park is awaiting a comprehensive report on the allegations, emphasizing the community's expectation for a thorough investigation.
NSW Ambulance has refrained from progressing contract extension discussions until the full and unredacted report is available.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
