The paramedics union says morale in the ambulance service has ''flatlined'', criticising management for failing to relieve intense work pressures and address a ''dysfunctional and toxic'' culture.
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The Transport Workers Union has launched a scathing attack on executives in the ACT Ambulance Service and Justice and Community Safety Directorate.
The union is warning morale in the service is the lowest it has ever been, saying paramedics fear retribution if they speak out.
It says management has failed to address a raft of issues, putting pressure on the territory's ambulance officers including workplace safety, overtime, rosters, equipment and leave.
A union official, Ben Sweaney, said many of the pressures affecting the workforce were identified years ago, including in the 2010 Lennox review of the service, and the 2009 Auditor-General's report.
''The directorate has demonstrated that they are either unable or unwilling to resolve the issues in the ACTAS,'' Mr Sweaney said.
''We have been working with the chief officer to resolve the many issues; however, the chief officer is being white anted and destabilised by a failed executive.''
The Justice and Community Safety Directorate issued a short statement in response to the union's criticisms.
The directorate stated it was continuing to improve service to the community against a backdrop of increasing demand for ambulance services.
''The TWU is a valued player in achieving these improvements,'' a spokesman said.
The ACT government committed to a formal review of ambulance service culture before the election, the union says.
That review would seek to identify the key factors contributing to poor morale.
''We want to make sure whoever does form government continues with that work and not only receives the review, but acts on the recommendations,'' Mr Sweaney said.
The union says the executive has already ''failed manifestly'' to respond to workforce planning issues identified in a range of forums, including the demand roster survey, the patient transport service roster review, the call taker roster review, the failing work safety committee, the uniform committee, and the vehicle and equipment committee.
''Regrettably, morale among ambulance officers in the ACT Ambulance Service is at rock bottom,'' Mr Sweaney said. ''There are severe cultural issues which exist in the ambulance service which mean people with concerns are often fearful of bringing those concerns forward,'' he said.
"We want to make sure whoever does form government continues with that work and not only receives the review, but acts on the recommendations," Mr Sweaney said.
The union says the executive has already "failed manifestly" to respond to workforce planning issues identified in a range of forums, including the demand roster survey, the patient transport service roster review, the call taker roster review, the failing work safety committee, the uniform committee, and the vehicle and equipment committee.
"Regrettably, morale among ambulance officers in the ACT Ambulance Service is at rock bottom," Mr Sweaney said. "There are severe cultural issues which exist in the ambulance service which mean people with concerns are often fearful of bringing those concerns forward," he said.