Emergency Management Queensland, Helicopter Rescue
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Emergency Management Queensland, Helicopter Rescue
Hi guys...
Can anyone give any sort of indication of what cutbacks the QLD Government is/has imposed on this great service?
And where will that leave it in the near term?
EW73
Queensland
Can anyone give any sort of indication of what cutbacks the QLD Government is/has imposed on this great service?
And where will that leave it in the near term?
EW73
Queensland
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Melbourne Herald-Sun:
THE Treasurer has announced a review of the delivery of air services, with a view to privatising the government air wing, the police air wing and the Emergency Management Queensland helicopter rescue service.
Tim Nicholls prefaced the announcement, by saying Queenslanders had "voted for change" when they elected the LNP on March 24.
"The savings we are making across government are necessary for fiscal repair," said Mr Nicholls before announcing the review.
"These services provide vital assistance to the Queensland community and facilitate government business across this vast state," Mr Nicholls said.
"Queensland emergency pilots were a godsend during the summer of natural disasters. Everyday they would transport sick patients from the regions, for treatment and to deliver organs for transplant."
He said he wanted to make it clear that no services would be affected by the review.
"There will be no reduction in the number of flying hours, and in fact we are seeking an increase. Patients will still be carried as they are now," Mr Nicholls said.
"Private companies will be asked to register their interest in delivering the fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft services. If there is sufficient interest, the government will consider releasing a more detailed expressions of interest process."
He said private investment was not the only avenue being investigated by the review.
"The review may find current operational arrangements are ideal and recommend no change," he said.
"But we owe it to the people of Queensland to examine these services to ensure we are getting the best bang for the taxpayer dollar."
Tim Nicholls prefaced the announcement, by saying Queenslanders had "voted for change" when they elected the LNP on March 24.
"The savings we are making across government are necessary for fiscal repair," said Mr Nicholls before announcing the review.
"These services provide vital assistance to the Queensland community and facilitate government business across this vast state," Mr Nicholls said.
"Queensland emergency pilots were a godsend during the summer of natural disasters. Everyday they would transport sick patients from the regions, for treatment and to deliver organs for transplant."
He said he wanted to make it clear that no services would be affected by the review.
"There will be no reduction in the number of flying hours, and in fact we are seeking an increase. Patients will still be carried as they are now," Mr Nicholls said.
"Private companies will be asked to register their interest in delivering the fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft services. If there is sufficient interest, the government will consider releasing a more detailed expressions of interest process."
He said private investment was not the only avenue being investigated by the review.
"The review may find current operational arrangements are ideal and recommend no change," he said.
"But we owe it to the people of Queensland to examine these services to ensure we are getting the best bang for the taxpayer dollar."
URGENT NOTICE TO INDUSTRY CLOSING DATE 28 Sep 12.
On 23 Aug 12 Queensland Treasurer announced a review of Government Aviation Services was being conducted and released a request for Registrations of Interest to provide both fixed and rotary wing air services. They operate eight aeroplanes and five helicopters. Closing date 28 Sep 12.
August edition of AHIAs Helicopters Australasia e-newsletter will be sent on Tue 28 Aug 12. The attached August Board Room Briefing will have the Government Information Package and Registration of Interest Form so AHIA potential members can avoid struggling with the government website. Our planned Timor Leste briefing on commercial helicopter opportunities will be deferred to allow industry access to this urgent information.
Why?? Closing date is 28 Sep 12.
If you are want to receive a free subscription to Helicopters Australasia and would like to read this information, sign on at email: helicopterassociation[at]bigpond.com.
Or PM me.
On 23 Aug 12 Queensland Treasurer announced a review of Government Aviation Services was being conducted and released a request for Registrations of Interest to provide both fixed and rotary wing air services. They operate eight aeroplanes and five helicopters. Closing date 28 Sep 12.
August edition of AHIAs Helicopters Australasia e-newsletter will be sent on Tue 28 Aug 12. The attached August Board Room Briefing will have the Government Information Package and Registration of Interest Form so AHIA potential members can avoid struggling with the government website. Our planned Timor Leste briefing on commercial helicopter opportunities will be deferred to allow industry access to this urgent information.
Why?? Closing date is 28 Sep 12.
If you are want to receive a free subscription to Helicopters Australasia and would like to read this information, sign on at email: helicopterassociation[at]bigpond.com.
Or PM me.
Hi guys...
Can anyone give any sort of indication of what cutbacks the QLD Government is/has imposed on this great service?
And where will that leave it in the near term?
EW73
Queensland
Can anyone give any sort of indication of what cutbacks the QLD Government is/has imposed on this great service?
And where will that leave it in the near term?
EW73
Queensland
FACT: At this point there are no proposed cuts...the QLD government is asking industry to register their interest. This amounts to a fishing expedition where government puts a lure in the water and sees what industry response (will industry say "hey, I'm interested, I think I can make that work better."). Government has also stated that IF QLD government aviation (including EMQHR) are privatised there would not be any reduction of services.
FACT: This registration of interest covers not only EMQHR but also the police airwing and the Premiers jet.
I think its safe to say that there are a lot of people in QLD Government aviation watching this space closely...as am I.
HP
I believe the police airwing pilots are also sworn police officers for the purpose of moving evidence around Qld and carrying prisoners. Could be a stumbling block. Also if it is commercialised, Part 48 would rear its ugly head.
As for the Premiers airwing, Part 48 would be a factor in doing organ retrievals and ministerial flights. Away all day with a Minister in NW Qld and you get a call out late at night to get back to BN so the aircraft and do an organ retrieval from Auckland. Don't think so.
I suppose EMQ operations could be absorbed into Careflight, SLSQ or similar organisations.
As for the Premiers airwing, Part 48 would be a factor in doing organ retrievals and ministerial flights. Away all day with a Minister in NW Qld and you get a call out late at night to get back to BN so the aircraft and do an organ retrieval from Auckland. Don't think so.
I suppose EMQ operations could be absorbed into Careflight, SLSQ or similar organisations.
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I suppose EMQ operations could be absorbed into Careflight, SLSQ or similar
MMMMMMMMM, lets hope not! 
Careflight absorbing 3 x AW139's and 2 x B412's plus Pilots, Aircrew and Engineering, I don't think so!
I can't think of anything worse to happen to the EMS Helicopter Community in Queensland if this were to happen.
Leave it to the 100% Commercial Helicopter Operators, they are the only ones that could run and operate a large contract like this.
Plus all the Boys would get an immediate pay rise not a Pay freeze.
Q
Careflight absorbing 3 x AW139's and 2 x B412's plus Pilots, Aircrew and Engineering, I don't think so!
I can't think of anything worse to happen to the EMS Helicopter Community in Queensland if this were to happen.
Leave it to the 100% Commercial Helicopter Operators, they are the only ones that could run and operate a large contract like this.
Plus all the Boys would get an immediate pay rise not a Pay freeze.
Q
MMMMMMMMM, lets hope not! 
Careflight absorbing 3 x AW139's and 2 x B412's plus Pilots, Aircrew and Engineering, I don't think so!
I can't think of anything worse to happen to the EMS Helicopter Community in Queensland if this were to happen.
Careflight absorbing 3 x AW139's and 2 x B412's plus Pilots, Aircrew and Engineering, I don't think so!
I can't think of anything worse to happen to the EMS Helicopter Community in Queensland if this were to happen.
So far as CareFlight, whilst not perfect by any stretch (what company is) why couldn't they do it - they have undergone quite a lot of growth in the last few years (7 x helicopters, 3 odd jets) whilst servicing quite a diverse range of clients and communities (with IFR/NVG platforms) which are often geographically a long way apart! Sometimes they are even known to operate from YBAF, so much for the ability of those 3 x AW139 and 2 x 412 to cover 3 bases
No organisation (commercial, charity or government is perfect).I don't even know if CareFlight or others are even interested in this however, broad brush statements like the one above are a little wide of the mark. Anyway, lets see how it all pans out and maybe nothing will change!
Cheers
Last edited by Turkeyslapper; 27th Aug 2012 at 06:52.
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To date there has not been much 'slashing and burning' in Qld. There has been some changes to legislation, and a lot of talk of retrenchments, a lot of reviews, but not much follow through as yet.
The Police contract has been wound back, but not scrubbed. Remember Labour never wanted the police helicopter in the first place and went out of their way to stone wall it.
For those of us that have travelled to other states, we remember how Labour left Victoria after the Cain/Kirner years and the steps that Jeff Kennett took to fix the state, now one of the richest states. Just look at how many aircraft are working government contracts on EMS, fires, and the list goes on. So let's give Campbell and co a go hey?
The Police contract has been wound back, but not scrubbed. Remember Labour never wanted the police helicopter in the first place and went out of their way to stone wall it.
For those of us that have travelled to other states, we remember how Labour left Victoria after the Cain/Kirner years and the steps that Jeff Kennett took to fix the state, now one of the richest states. Just look at how many aircraft are working government contracts on EMS, fires, and the list goes on. So let's give Campbell and co a go hey?
The Qld Government could save some serious bucks having all the community helicopters provided by one tender, with consistant standards of aircraft and operations, as well as pricing, across the state.
As far as EMQ goes, if they were replaced by commercial operators (which I think would be a huge mistake), the paramedics would still be supplied by Qld ambulance, the coordination would still be through Retrieval Services / Clinical Coordination and the aircrew would probably be retained.
Could save even more bucks by scrapping the contracted careflight doctors.
my $0.20 worth.
As far as EMQ goes, if they were replaced by commercial operators (which I think would be a huge mistake), the paramedics would still be supplied by Qld ambulance, the coordination would still be through Retrieval Services / Clinical Coordination and the aircrew would probably be retained.
Could save even more bucks by scrapping the contracted careflight doctors.
my $0.20 worth.
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No more Chook raffles PLEASE
Well said al-fentanyl, and the contract should be commenced as soon as possible. There is far to much dead wood in the Qld EMS and SAR system.
NO NGO helicopters .NO snow trips for NGO Snr Executives and putting the money back into an operation doing what commercial companies do best .Getting the job done in a cost affect , time efficient and professional manner.
NO NGO helicopters .NO snow trips for NGO Snr Executives and putting the money back into an operation doing what commercial companies do best .Getting the job done in a cost affect , time efficient and professional manner.
NO NGO helicopters .NO snow trips for NGO Snr Executives and putting the money back into an operation doing what commercial companies do best .Getting the job done in a cost affect , time efficient and professional manner.
Are you also suggesting that commercial operators are more cost effective than CHPs.....how much does it cost the government to run a CHP base compared to an EMQ (or commercial for that matter)...I am tipping its a lot less. For that matter, I am pretty sure a few QLD CHPs are running NVG now when its not even a contractual requirement...how many commercial operators would do that?
I am not the president of the CHP fan club as there is always room for improvement however, as discussed in my previous post, sweeping statements like the one above are hardly fair and undermine the good work that many of the operators are doing.
Anyhoo, it will be interesting to see how it all turns out and I sincerely hope this thread doesn't degenerate into the same kind of thing that the NSW air ambulance thread did a couple of years ago.
Cheers
Having worked with both EMQ and the other assorted HEMS in Qld, I would choose EMQ any day. Ideally I would like to see EMQ retained and a single proven provider manage the other HEMS in Qld to a standard as high as EMQ.
PS, 601- Qld Police Airwing pilots are not Police Officers, they are professional full-time pilots.
PS, 601- Qld Police Airwing pilots are not Police Officers, they are professional full-time pilots.
Last edited by Al Fentanyl; 31st Aug 2012 at 06:21. Reason: Simplified.
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Careful pal. I don't know what your inference is by listing accidents like you have. 
Not too much to say about this. See what comes out of the review
Not too much to say about this. See what comes out of the review
Are you suggesting that emq (or chc, ah) aircraft haven't been involved in some nasty incidents or very close calls. I won't disrespect anyone by listing them as has been done above however, I can think of quite a few off the top of my head which have occurred over the not too distant past which have included some nice damage to aircraft (didn't an emq helicopter get lifted out of the bush by a chinook a couple of years ago), loss of life, serious injuries and other close calls so let's not go any further down this route hey
Cheers
Cheers
