Senior Police officer appointed Acting Ambulance Commissioner

Queensland Police Service South East Queensland Assistant Commissioner David Melville APM will be appointed Acting Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) Commissioner, Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said.

Mr Roberts said Assistant Commissioner Melville has had responsibility for one of the Queensland Police Service’s busiest regions. His appointment as Acting QAS Commissioner will take effect from next week (25 February).

“Assistant Commissioner Melville is widely respected for his senior role with the Queensland Police Service. His appointment to head the QAS will be on an interim basis before a permanent appointment can be made,” Mr Roberts said.

Department of Emergency Services Director-General Jim McGowan was appointed Acting QAS Commissioner on 16 February.

Mr Roberts said the audit of the QAS ordered by new Premier Anna Bligh last year has provided a circuit-breaker for ambulance services in Queensland.

“While the Government has provided record resources for the Queensland Ambulance Service, the audit highlighted the need to refocus on frontline services,” Mr Roberts said.

“As a result of the audit, the Government is targeting savings of $12 million to reinvest in recruiting an additional 100 frontline ambulance officers.”

18 February 2008

Media contact:

Kirby Anderson 3247 8194 or 0418 197 350 Brendan Connell (travelling with Minister) 0437 837 976