Keeping the air ambulance in safe hands

01/10/2009 | 11:32 AM

The fight to ensure the NSW Air Ambulance Contract is maintained by the Royal Flying Doctor Service is far from over.

When the Victorian Air Ambulance tender was lost to Pel Air, a subsidiary of the Singaporean based company, REX Airlines, there were fears the NSW and Queensland contracts would soon follow suit.  

The NSW Air Ambulance contract is worth $70million to the RFDS.  That's money that will be delivered straight back into the provision of the RFDS charity services, creating a double win for the taxpayer.  

I'm very relieved to report that the ongoing delay in the State Government's decision on the NSW tender seems to indicate the situation in this State is not a fait accompli. I am now advised an announcement on the contract won't be made until December.

It's imperative that those making this decision fully understand the significance of the RFDS and why it makes so much good sense to allow this organisation to continue providing air ambulance services to the people of NSW.

Following a rally in support of the RFDS in Dubbo in August, I have tabled in State Parliament 5,000 signatures calling for the Air Ambulance contract to be kept with the Flying Doctor.   

More signatures continue to pour into my electorate office, clearly demonstrating the view of the ordinary man and woman that the RFDS is their preferred service and they want to ensure an integrated service across State borders.  

These members of the public are the same people who will pay the taxes that will pay for this contract.  It would be a great mistake for the Government to ignore the will of the people on this issue.

There is immense support not just in country areas but also among those living in the city, for the Government to back the RFDS, an organisation that is solely dedicated to providing medical services to those in rural and remote Australia, ahead of a foreign competitor whose prime imperative is profit.

The Flying Doctor is an iconic organisation that operates with the highest possible level of service and integrity. It's absurd to suggest that any other player in the aero medical field could do a better job. The decision on this contract should be a no-brainer and I am hoping the State Government will make the right decision on this issue come December.