'Instability' at Ambulance Tasmania following departure of CEO Joe Acker

Mr Acker was appointed to the head position in February with extensive experience in Australia and overseas within paramedic systems and health services.

His position was filled prior to the 2021 coronial inquest of 36-year-old paramedic Damian Michael Crump, which revealed challenges with drug management and systemic issues across Ambulance Tasmania.

Labor health spokeswoman Anita Dow said cultural issues remain, and a new chief executive must be appointed now.

She said this person must be able to affect change within the organisation.

"The departure of Joe Acker is the latest blow for the Rockliff Government in a service they were already struggling to deliver," Ms Dow said.

"After a high turnover of CEOs, more instability is the last thing Ambulance Tasmania needs at a time when strong leadership is required," she said.

"Ambulance Tasmania must appoint a permanent CEO as a matter of urgency to provide much-needed stability to a system at breaking point following the departure of Joe Acker...to carry out the important unfinished work at Ambulance Tasmania, including the Cultural Improvement Action Plan the station and clinical services master plan and the permanent employment of 97 paramedics and 33 interns to help boost a workforce at breaking point."

Education Minister Roger Jaensch said the government thanked Mr Acker for his excellent service and leadership.

"We certainly have confidence in leadership and management arrangements going forward."

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:

Follow us on Google News: The Examiner