AMBULANCE VICTORIA 2009-2010 ANNUAL REPORT

Whistleblower disclosure
The Whistleblowers’ Protection Act 2001 provides the
legal framework within which disclosure can be made
revealing corrupt conduct, conduct involving a substantial
mismanagement of public resources or a substantial risk
to public health and safety or the environment.
AV recognises the importance and value of
accountability and transparency in its management
and administrative practices and supports the making
of these disclosures. The alleged conduct however
must be proven to be serious enough to constitute a
criminal offence or reasonable grounds for dismissal
to satisfy the Whistleblowers’ Protection Act 2001.
A disclosure about improper conduct or detrimental
action by AV or its employees may be made to AV
contacts below or alternatively to the Ombudsman.
AV Contact Person(s):
Paul Bean
Manager Professional Standards
375 Manningham Road Doncaster Victoria 3108
Telephone: 03 9840 3635
Fax: 03 9840 3785
Tony Walker
General Manager Regional Services
375 Manningham Road Doncaster Victoria 3108
Telephone: 03 9840 3716
Fax: 03 9840 3709
Mark Rogers
General Manager Specialist Services
375 Manningham Road Doncaster Victoria 3108
Telephone: 03 9840 3716
Fax: 03 9840 3709
Alternative Contact:
The Ombudsman Victoria
Level 9, 459 Collins Street Melbourne Victoria 3000
Internet: www.ombudsman.vic.gov.au
Telephone: 03 9613 6222
Toll Free: 1800 806 314
AV received one disclosure under the Act in 2009-2010.
The Ombudsman made several recommendations,
which were implemented by AV.
Equal Employment Opportunity
“Throughout the 2009-10 year there were a total
of 27 complaints escalated to HR for investigation.
Of these, three complaints were fully substantiated.
AV has made, and is continuing to make, a significant
effort to address EEO issues this year, encouraging
complaints and addressing inappropriate behaviour.
This year has also seen the start of EEO training for
all managers in the regions, a project that will be
completed by the end of 2010.”
Code of Conduct
AV employees are currently subject to the Code of
Conduct for Victorian Public Sector Employees.
In addition to this, in March 2010, AV released its
Workplace Conduct policy which lays out expected
workplace behaviours specific to ambulance. This is
an amalgamation of the former MAS and RAV policies.
Disability Action Plan
Ambulance Victoria (AV) is continuing to refine its
Disability Action Plan (DAP) using internal consultation
and review processes.
The outcome areas of the plan are:
1. Goods, services and facilities being accessible to
people with a disability
- All Ambulance Victoria administration offices
have been audited and assessed to ensure
they are compliant with the DAP requirements
- All Ambulance Victoria operational stations
are exempt from the DAP requirements.
2. People with a disability obtaining and maintaining
employment
- All job advertisements include the clause that
states Ambulance Victoria does not discriminate
- Discriminating information provided by the applicant
in the interview process is never transferred.
3. Inclusion and participation in the community
- Information regarding disability will be provided
in any brochures or pamphlets distributed at
Career Expos or Ambulance Victoria Open Days.
4. Positive changes in attitudes and a reduction in
practices that discriminate
- Ambulance Victoria publications include people
with disabilities
- All Ambulance Victoria job descriptions are
EEO and DAP compliant
- Ambulance Victoria now accepts applications for
paramedics who have previously suffered seizures
(as long as it has not been in the last 6 months).
2009 - 2010 Annual Report AMBULANCE VICTORIA 29