Peter Gutwein: Tasmanian Ambulance Service Award Challenge

The State Government will challenge the recent 14.1 per cent wage increase awarded to paramedics by the Tasmanian Industrial Commission.
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The grounds of the appeal relate to points of law, in particular the public interest test and not giving proper weight to the flow on effects.

It is more than seven times greater than other employees have received under the Government’s wages policy.

The Government’s challenge to the TIC decision does not in any way detract from our respect for ambulance officers and the valuable work they do.

It is about the Budget and the State’s capacity to pay.

The TIC decision has not taken into account the potential flow on effects to other sectors and the cost impact this would have on Tasmania’s Budget situation.

This decision alone is estimated to cost the Budget at least $4.5 m.

The right to an appeal is part of the process regarding industrial matters, and that any suggestions that the Government was somehow ignoring the umpire on this matter was therefore wrong.

The challenge was lodged in the Supreme Court of Tasmania by the State Government today. Until the wage case is resolved paramedics will continue to be paid at current rates.
Peter Gutwein, Treasurer