Last Monday marked the second anniversary of ambulance officers beginning industrial action against the state government.
To mark the milestone, Whittlesea paramedics and their colleagues across Victoria ramped up their Code Red campaign, handing out leaflets at train and bus stations to give their perspective on one of the state’s longest-running pay and conditions stand-offs.
“The Code Red campaign is not just about getting a fair wage for paramedics,” Whittlesea organiser Ward Young said.
“We also have raised awareness about the failings of the ambulance system in a bid to improve outcomes for Victorians.
“We can’t save your life if we get to you too late. Before the Code Red campaign, nobody knew there was a problem.”
Mr Young dismissed government accusations of “greediness” and suggestions that paramedics were being manipulated by their union. “Nothing could be further from the truth,” he said.
“This government has spent more than $1 million on misleading advertising in an attempt to destroy the trust and public confidence that Victorians have in paramedics. Unfortunately, we don’t have that sort of money to advertise and address the untruths, so we have leaflets at train stations.”
Mr Young said paramedics had been forced to defend themselves in the face of government misinformation.
“We went to university for three years and did further on-the-job training to save lives, treat people in pain and make a difference,” he said.
“We have been thrust into a nasty public debate with a government that has tried to turn the public against its paramedics.”
