A new ACT Ambulance Service roster will see 11 more paramedic crews rostered on over a 24-hour period.

As part of the 2023-24 Budget Review, $19.7 million over four years will be spent on the implementation of the new roster.

Ambulance Service chief officer Howard Wren says the new roster will improve fatigue management practices and create a better work-life balance for paramedics.

“The investment in more paramedics and better resourced rosters would ensure our paramedics will be even better equipped to support the Canberra community,” he says.

“Investing in staffing will mean paramedics will continue to enjoy rewarding careers in the ACT Ambulance Service, with improved rostering leading to better outcomes for all.”

In addition, training and development requirements will be covered by rostered resources and operational resourcing flexibility will be increased. Meal breaks will also be accessed more regularly and there would be less need for paramedics to work past their shift times.

To achieve the new roster, changes need to be made to the ACTAS enterprise agreement. This agreement has been in negotiation for several months and is in the final stages of negotiation between the ACT government and the Transport Workers Union.