Victoria Shadow Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan

AUDITOR-GENERAL TO PROBE BRUMBY’S AMBULANCE FAILURES

Victor P Taffa

The Auditor-General will report to Parliament before the State Election on John Brumby’s string of Regional Ambulance Failures after the Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition asked him to investigate Labor’s Ambulance Crisis.

Shadow Minister for Regional and Rural Development and Leader of The Nationals Peter Ryan, who asked the Auditor-General to investigate the administration and operation of Ambulance Victoria, said Ambulance Services in Regional and Rural Victoria had got worse under John Brumby.

The Auditor-General has confirmed he will investigate the Statewide Performance of Ambulance Victoria, paying particular attention to Regional and Rural Ambulance Services.

“Because of John Brumby’s incompetence, Ambulance Services in Rural and Regional Victoria have got worse, response times have blown out and lives have been lost or put at risk.” Mr. Ryan said.

“The Auditor-General’s investigation will examine responsiveness, data, integrity of the data, and resource allocation and the report will be tabled on October 6, seven weeks before the election where John Brumby will be held to account for his numerous failings.”

Mr. Ryan said Ambulance Victoria paramedics did a tremendous job but under John Brumby they were overworked and under-resourced.

“Every regional and rural Coalition MP has listened to many complaints from constituents and paramedics about the ambulance crisis which John Brumby has created.” Mr. Ryan said.

“Labor has had 11 years and $350 Billion in revenue, but did not act on Ambulances until the Coalition led the way last week with our $151 Million Plan.”

Mr. Ryan said the Labor Government promised Victorians 11 years ago it would lower Ambulance response times to 10 minutes.

“Even after targets were revised down to 15 minutes, John Brumby could not meet his government’s own benchmark.” Mr. Ryan said.

“The Brumby Government’s neglect and incompetence has caused a breakdown of basic Health Services and the Coalition welcomes this investigation by the Auditor-General into John Brumby’s Ambulance Failures.”

Reply from Victoria Auditor General 30 June 2010