Rescue helicopter contract in jeopardy after parliamentary inquiry

New South Wales Ambulance faces pressure to scrutinize its contract with Northern NSW Helicopter Rescue Services (NNSWHRS), with a state parliamentary inquiry recommending against contract extension unless workplace safety concerns are addressed. The inquiry, initially focused on alleged maintenance failures at Calvary Mater Hospital, broadened to examine public-private partnerships in healthcare.

“

We are really urging the [NSW] government to put these agreements under scrutiny now rather than wait for there to be a tragedy.

Greens MP Amanda Cohn, the committee chair, detailed allegations of a toxic workplace culture at NNSWHRS, including bullying and psychological abuse. "We are really urging the [NSW] government to put these agreements under scrutiny now rather than wait for there to be a tragedy," Cohn stated, emphasizing the need for immediate action to prevent potential service disruptions.

The parliamentary report found that staff non-disclosure agreements had "prevented transparency, silenced potential whistleblowers and delayed the rectification of issues." It detailed how former employees who raised concerns were allegedly targeted by senior management and human resources, leading to extreme impacts on staff well-being, with some rendered "unable to return to the workforce."

“

Nobody wants to be left without a service, that's why it is so critical that this level of scrutiny happens now.

Accusations also included noncompliant record-keeping and a failure to investigate serious safety breaches. One whistleblower described a "tick and flick" culture regarding safety management, where staff were allegedly encouraged to bypass training assessments. NSW Health Minister Ryan Park acknowledged the allegations and stated that contract negotiations for the service, which began in 2017 and ends in May, will be contingent on the full report.

“

I think, more importantly, the [NSW] Ambulance expects it. The community expects it and deserve it