“This review is long overdue,” said Brett Adie, Secretary of the union for ambulance workers Ambulance Employees Australia Victoria (AEAV). “AEAV has received a number of complaints from our members in recent months involving discrimination and sexual harassment that have been routinely swept under the carpet by local management. “We’re concerned that the culture within Ambulance Victoria, and management practices, creates an environment where blatant discrimination against paramedics by managers is routine. “Many victims did what they thought was the right thing and spoke out. They told Ambulance Victoria, they sought support, and yet some are still being traumatised today. “The Gippsland Region has been on our radar for months with a number of paramedics from the region coming forward before the review was announced. “Some of the perpetrators are well known within the organisation and at the highest levels. The culture of Ambulance Victoria will not change until those that allowed this to occur are also held to account. “One of the most troubling aspects is that many victims felt powerless. They reached out to those who were supposed to protect them but on many occasions the perpetrators were the ones who received direct or tacit support. Meanwhile the victims were often moved, and their claims dismissed,” said Mr Adie.

Ambulance Employees Australia Victoria (AEAV) is a section of the United Workers Union.