The ACT Ambulance Service (ACTAS) has today released a review of its operational staffing roster, marking one year since its implementation. The review provides insights into performance, challenges, and opportunities for improvement as ACTAS continues to enhance service delivery.
This review assessed the implementation and impact of the new rostering model through operational data, staff feedback and system level analysis.
Key findings from the review highlighted that the roster is set in strong staff fatigue management principles and remains a credible model, but its effectiveness has been constrained by wider pressures across the service and sector.
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Dr Marisa Paterson, welcomed the review and its recommendations.
"I would like to thank our ACTAS team for their commitment to delivering a high-quality emergency response to our community. I would also like to thank the staff and stakeholders who took part in this review to ensure it considered a broad range of factors," Minister Paterson said.
"As Minister, I take the findings of this review very seriously. Over the coming weeks, I will work closely with ACTAS, Transport Workers' Union and other stakeholders to translate these findings into a clear path forward, one that strengthens the service and delivers benefits for both staff and the community."
Quotes attributable to ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA) Commissioner, Wayne Phillips
"The ESA remains fully committed to supporting ACTAS in providing high-quality emergency and non-emergency ambulance services to the Canberra community.
"This review highlights a significant surge in demand for ACTAS, with many calls each year relating to non‑emergency situations. It serves as a timely reminder for the community to help keep our paramedics and first responders available for life threatening emergencies.
"I am confident that Chief Officer Dutton will successfully lead Canberra's ambulance service into its next chapter - meeting the city's growing demand for ambulance services while prioritising the wellbeing of our paramedics and all ambulance staff."
Quotes attributable to ACTAS Chief Officer, David Dutton
"The ACTAS roster review identified 8 issues and 13 recommendations for ACTAS to address. These recommendations provide a clear pathway, and ACTAS is committed to considering them carefully and implementing changes that strengthen both the service and the community we serve.
"At the same time, I want to remind the community that ACTAS staff are hard‑working, highly skilled professionals who deliver quality health care every day. This report does not diminish their dedication or capability - it highlights the pressures they face and the opportunities we have to better support them."
To read the review in full visit www.esa.act.gov.au/ACTAS-roster-review.
