QGAir rescue helicopter service’s bombshell staffing claims, QPS breaks silence

Queensland Government Air rescue helicopter service faces fresh whistleblower allegations of critical staffing shortages putting lives at risk. LATEST

The Queensland Government Air (QGAir) Rescue Helicopter outside the Ingham Hospital Accident and Emergency Department earlier this year. Picture: Cameron Bates

Fresh staffing allegations have struck the embattled Queensland Government Air (QGAir) rescue helicopter service, with the government breaking its silence to say it is reviewing pay rates.

A whistleblower contacted the Townsville Bulletin to warn that critical staffing levels within QGAir, particularly in North Queensland, were putting lives at risk.

Queensland Police Service, which runs QGAir, was provided with a list of detailed questions concerning the allegations on Monday but did not reply until late Thursday.

The Queensland Government Air (QGAir) rescue helicopter taking off from Ingham Hospital travelling to Townsville University Hospital earlier this year. Picture: Cameron Bates

An additional source with inside knowledge of QGAir also contacted this publication in an email on Tuesday morning, saying “you’ve only just started to scratch the surface” and providing additional information. The QPS spokesperson said it reviews service delivery regularly and responds proactively.

The new source made seven new claims about QGAir, including “significantly poor morale … as evidenced in Working for Queensland results over the last three years” and the “very high staff turnover rates”.

In addition, concerns raised in the email include concerns about QGAir’s ability to meet police operational requirements “identified in the Wieambilla Coronial Report”.

It also says the “failure of the government to fund the replacement of an ageing (air) fleet” had a greater adverse impact on operations than the already severe lack of available aircrew officers (ACOs).

The QPS spokesperson said the organisation was reviewing the findings from the coronial report and would consider them “thoughtfully”.

A third, well-placed source, on Tuesday made similar claims to those listed in the new email, alleging a “highly toxic workplace”.

Police and Emergency Services Minister Dan Purdie, speaking in Townsville on Wednesday, said staff issues with QGAir were first raised in 2022.

Premier David Crisafulli, speaking in Brisbane, said the QGAir ACO contracts were formulated before he was elected to office last year. Picture: John Gass

Mr Purdie was asked about apparent pay discrepancies between flight crews in South-East Queensland and North Queensland.

He said the Crisafulli government wanted to make sure that all its regional ACOs were paid the same as their urban counterparts.

However, QGAir employees are paid based on the award, with pay disparity existing with the private sector.

A QPS spokesperson said QGAir was currently reviewing renumeration and recruitment for aircrew officers.

“Aircrew officers are subject to the same pay and conditions across the state, except for a locality allowance which is dependent on the location where the member is based,” they said.

Katter’s Australian Party leader Robbie Katter said QGAir was a “vital service” that “does save lives” so it was important to fund accordingly. Picture: Evan Morgan

Katter’s Australian Party leader Robbie Katter said QGAir was a “vital service” that “does save lives” so it was important to fund accordingly.

“We count the stories of people whose lives are being saved or lost, because they have or they haven’t had that chopper available,” he said.

“It is a big problem and that does cost lives in the bush when it’s not available and when there are shortfalls.”

Premier David Crisafulli, speaking in Brisbane, said people working in regional Queensland deserved the same as those working in the southeast.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie, speaking in Townsville on Wednesday, said staff issues with QGAir were first raised in 2022, “and we are doing everything we can to clear up the mess that Labor left us”. Picture: Samuel Davis

Originally published as QGAir rescue helicopter service’s bombshell staffing claims, QPS breaks silence