Legislative Council, Wednesday 22 March, 2023

Ms FORREST question to LEADER of the GOVERNMENT in the LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, Mrs HISCUTT

(1) Is the Government planning to employ a paramedic for King Island? If not, why not, given the growth and activity on King Island and an active mine commencing operations;

(2) (a) if a paramedic is to be appointed to King Island, when will this position be recruited for;

(b) will it be a full-time position;

(c) will a joint Ambulance Tasmania and Tasmanian Health Service appointment be considered to facilitate a multi-disciplinary model of care where King Island Hospital and AT volunteers are well supported; and

(d) if not, why not?

ANSWER

I thank the member for her question.

During the 2021 state election, the Tasmanian Government committed to undertaking a review of Ambulance Service demand across the state. Operational Research in Health Limited has been engaged to undertake this work and produce a ten-year ambulance station location and service delivery master plan.

This work is nearing completion, and the Government looks forward to receiving the final report which would include locations for further investments in Ambulance Tasmania. I presume most of your questions will be answered at that stage.