Ambulance Victoria chief Tony Walker the latest to resign

Tony Walker is the latest senior officer to leave Ambulance Victoria, shortly after returning to work from a period of leave.

Ambulance Victoria chief Tony Walker is stepping down. Picture: Hamish Blair

Ambulance Victoria CEO Tony Walker has resigned, and will finish in the role in December.

Walker, who has been with Ambulance Victoria almost 37 years, revealed the move in an email to staff on Monday.

He recently returned to work after a period of extended medical leave after being diagnosed with cancer.

His last day with the organisation will be December 23.

In his time with Ambulance Victoria Professor Walker has worked as a paramedic, MICA paramedic, general manager, and CEO.

“I love this organisation and, as I am sure you can appreciate, the decision hasn’t been an easy one,” Professor Walker said

“However, the past five months have given me an opportunity to reflect deeply on what’s important and I feel the time is right for me, my family and also for AV.

Tony Walker has been with Ambulance Victoria for almost 37 years.

“I am fully committed to leading the important cultural and operational strategic reforms currently underway during my remaining time here at AV and working with new Chair Shelly Park and the Board to make the transition as seamless as possible.”

Professor Walker’s resignation is the latest in a series of senior officers to leave Ambulance Victoria.

Earlier this month the Herald Sun revealed executive director of clinical operations, Mick Stephenson, was stood down over allegations of inappropriate behaviour.

Mr Stephenson is one of the organisation’s most senior figures, and is responsible for statewide emergency ambulance operations of advanced life support and MICA paramedics.

He remains on leave.

Former chairman Ken Lay left Ambulance Victoria last month, less than six months after a final Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission report into AV’s toxic culture was made public.

Director of people and culture Rebecca Hodges resigned from the organisation in March, after Ambulance Employees Australia Victoria wrote to Mr Lay demanding she be sacked.