NSW: Iemma offers olive branch to rescue services

AAP General News (Australia)
12-11-2006
NSW: Iemma offers olive branch to rescue services

SYDNEY, Dec 11 AAP - NSW Premier Morris Iemma says he wants NRMA CareFlight and Westpac
Life Saver Surf Rescue to remain involved in helicopter rescue services.

The NSW government last week announced that the contracts of the two community-based
organisations to run helicopter rescue services would not be renewed next year.

They will be replaced by the Australian subsidiary of Canadian helicopter rescue service CHC.

Mr Iemma today defended the awarding of the new contract to CHC but said the government
would meet with CareFlight and Westpac Live Saver this week.

"We are getting bigger and better, faster and safer helicopters from the same people
who run these services in Victoria and South Australia," he told Southern Cross Broadcasting.

"What we'd like to do is still to have NRMA and CareFlight and the others involved
in some way. And that's what the discussion this week will involve."

CareFlight spokesman Ian Badham today renewed his attack on the government over its
decision to award the contract to CHC.

"This is not about saving money, this is not about safety standards," Mr Badham said.

"This is all about the petty egos of a couple of faceless bureaucrats."

Doctors employed by NRMA CareFlight have threatened not to work under the Canadian
company because of safety concerns.

But Health Minister John Hatzistergos says the service will continue with new staff if necessary.

AAP pj/was/it/nf

KEYWORD: RESCUE IEMMA

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