Westpac Rescue investigation sparks Ryan Park-NSW Ambulance meeting

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park says the community expects better progress after allegations of sexual harassment, bullying and victimization emerged at the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.

After an investigation by Sydney Morning Herald And 60 Minutes Detailing a series of serious allegations against the service, Park said he and NSW Ambulance commissioner Dominic Morgan would discuss the “path forward” for Westpac Rescue with a new 10-year taxpayer-funded contract worth an estimated $500 million.

“To be honest, I wasn’t very happy with what I witnessed or saw regarding this event over the weekend,” Park said Thursday.

“More importantly, the community deserves and expects better than this… I respect the work they do, but this report was extremely concerning.”

Westpac Rescue, one of eight operations sponsored by the big bank, carries out missions from Newcastle to the Queensland border. At least three whistle-blowing complaints have been made to the board and directors of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, including one signed by 11 employees, accusing the service of endangering the health and safety of its staff and “creating a culture of fear”.

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NSW Ambulance commissioner Morgan is on leave. Park said that when Morgan returns next week, they will discuss “improving the nature of this organization,” including improving the culture.

“This is an organization that has taken taxpayer money over the years, but more importantly, I will be outspoken, philanthropic support through donations, hard-earned donations from millions of people across this country,” Park said.

This imprint was also announced on Tuesday He said Westpac Rescue’s spending on fundraising and events, including lavish Cirque du Soleil-style balls, afternoon teas, mountain bike rides and golf days, had outpaced other NSW services. Excluding sponsorship money from Westpac bank, only 50 per cent of donations were spent on running the service.