New Deputy Commissioner for Queensland Ambulance Service

Career ambulance officer Russell Bowles ASM has been appointed the new Deputy Commissioner of the Queensland Ambulance Service.

Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts congratulated Mr Bowles, who has served as Assistant Commissioner for the Brisbane Region (2007 to present) and Central Region (2003-07) on his appointment as Deputy Commissioner.

His appointment as Deputy Commissioner will start on 11 August.

“Last year’s Ambulance Audit has ushered in a new era and new leadership for the QAS,” Mr Roberts said.

“I welcome Russell’s appointment as Deputy Commissioner. With new Commissioner David Melville, he will be focussed on strengthening the ambulance frontline,” Mr Roberts said.

“Russell is a career ambulance officer, who has risen through the ranks in Queensland. He has a solid operational experience from all corners of Queensland.”

Mr Bowles has served at Rockhampton, Ipswich, Gold Coast, Mount Isa, Sunshine Coast, Wide Bay-Burnett and Brisbane during his 27-year career.

“I want to also pay tribute to Neil Kirby for his service as Deputy Commissioner since 2003. Neil has been pivotal in QAS’s leadership in emergency and pre-hospital care and improving the educational standards of paramedics during his five-year appointment as Deputy Commissioner.”

14 July 2008
Media contact: Kirby Anderson 3247 8194 or 0418 197 350