Queensland Ambulance Commissioner position to be advertised

The position of Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) Commissioner will be advertised nationally next month, Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said today.

Mr Roberts said QAS Commissioner Jim Higgins’s current contract was due to end in April this year, and he has advised me today he would not be seeking reappointment.

“The position of Queensland Ambulance Service Commissioner is a critical role in the State’s emergency services. I would like to acknowledge the contribution Jim Higgins has made in that role since his appointment in 2003,” Mr Roberts said.

“Mr Higgins has particularly focussed on the professional development of our ambulance officers and the expanded scope of practice for our paramedics. This work has been recognised internationally.”

In his statement to QAS staff (please find attached), Mr Higgins said: “I believe the time is now right for a leadership transition for the next phase in the development of the Queensland Ambulance Service”.

The Director-General of the Department of Emergency Services Jim McGowan will assume the role of Acting QAS Commissioner while interim arrangements are finalised.

Mr Roberts said QAS was widely recognised as one of most professional and largest ambulance services in the world.

“The QAS has a record budget of $404 million this financial year. Indeed, ambulance services are funded at a higher per capita rate in Queensland than any other Australian State,” Mr Roberts said.

“In 2007-08, the QAS is funded to recruit an extra 250 frontline ambulance officers, to buy 140 new vehicles, and to upgrade or build new stations across the State.”

“At the same time, the QAS is responding to unprecedented and growing demand for ambulance services.”

Mr Roberts said the QAS Audit, handed down two months ago, highlighted a range of new directions for the QAS to boost frontline resources and manage demand for ambulance services.

“As a new Emergency Services Minister, I am determined to – as the Audit recommends – refocus the QAS on the frontline. To that end, the Government is targeting savings of $12 million across non-essential and corporate areas of the Service and the Department of Emergency Services to fund a further 100 frontline ambulance officers,” he said.

15 February 2008

Media contact: Kirby Anderson 3247 8194 or 0418 197 350

COMMISSIONER’S FAREWELL MESSAGE

I wish to advise all staff that I have today indicated to the Minister and Director-General, Department of Emergency Services, my intention not to seek re-appointment to the position of Commissioner, Queensland Ambulance Service when my contract expires in April of this year.

It has been my honour and privilege to serve as your Commissioner for the last five years however I believe the time is now right for a leadership transition for the next phase in the development of the Queensland Ambulance Service.

I am enormously proud of the achievements of the Queensland Ambulance Service. In particular, the outstanding service that the dedicated men and women of the Queensland Ambulance Service provides to our patients and the community, each and every day, right across this vast State.

There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that the Queensland Ambulance Service is a world leader in the provision of emergency medical services and that it will continue to be so into the future.

I would like to place on record my sincere appreciation to all of the professional staff, volunteers and Local Ambulance Committees for their significant dedication, commitment and support during my time as your Commissioner.

I extend to you all my personal best wishes for your future endeavours.

JIM HIGGINS ASM

Commissioner

Queensland Ambulance Service

15 February 2008