The Lawler Labor Government is focused on delivering the health care services and emergency response times that Territorians deserve.
That's why the Lawler Labor Government will conduct a structural review of ambulance services to ensure they are fit for purpose and provide best practice services to meet the needs of Territorians. The review will assess the current model of ambulance service in the Northern Territory to find areas of improvement, and learn from other jurisdictions relevant to the Territory's context.
An independent reviewer will be engaged to undertake the review and make recommendations such as service delivery, workforce capacity and funding.
The review will commence on 1 July 2024, with a final report to be provided to the Northern Territory Government by the end of the year.
The Lawler Labor Government invests $45.9 million per year to St Johns ambulance service, and is providing St Johns ambulance an additional $7.8 million to be able to continue perform their life saving function. This extra funding is needed due to increase in demand pressures. This additional funding will require an independent audit of St Johns finances.
Budget 2024 also invests $1.5 million to plan and design options for the development of a new Greater Darwin ambulance station to provide a central hub to support existing facilities at Casuarina, Parap and Palmerston into the future.
To view the Terms of Reference of the review visit here
Quotes attributed to Chief Minister Eva Lawler:
"Territorians deserve the best quality health care and that's why we are reviewing ambulance services in the Territory.
"St John ambulance currently provide a very important service and we want to make sure that we have the best model for Territorians into the future."
"Budget 2024 invests $2.2 billion into our health system to make sure Territorians receive the best healthcare possible."
Quotes attributed to the Minister for Health, Selena Uibo:
"No matter if you live in the city or the bush - the Territory Labor Government will always invest in quality health infrastructure.
"The Review will examine whether our ambulance service provides contemporary best practice in the delivery of care, meets the needs and expectations of Territorians, and keeps communities safe.
"It is also an opportunity to consider the impact an expanded pre-hospital service can have on the current health services, and how a future service can enable the Northern Territory to meet its commitments under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap."
Northern Territory Government
