Ambulance Victoria review – Update 22 (28 August 2024)

28 August 2024 

I’m pleased to provide this update on the Commission’s Independent review into workplace equality at Ambulance Victoria.  

Since my last update, the Commission has completed data collection for the progress evaluation audit. We received 1,182 responses to the survey which was open to current Ambulance Victoria staff and closed in early July. The Commission team also conducted four focus groups and 15 interviews with over 75 Ambulance Victoria staff, including frontline workers and senior representatives. Once again, thank you to everyone who responded to the survey, participated in an interview or focus group, or helped to facilitate this work. Your contributions are valuable and will help to inform our findings and final report.  

Thank you also to the Ambulance Victoria teams in Gippsland and Metro Two who facilitated fantastic observational visits for the Commission team in the past few weeks. Commission team members were fortunate to speak with staff at multiple branches and hospitals across the state.  

Our focus for August is analysing documents received from Ambulance Victoria, the staff survey results and consultation outcomes to inform the findings of our progress evaluation audit.  

While this work continues, the Commission has been considering the format for the publication of the final report. We have agreed with Ambulance Victoria to deliver the final report as a digital resource. The digital resource will enable us to display the progress evaluation audit findings using interactive features like videos and infographics. This will help us to ensure the information is accessible to a diverse audience. 

As we work through the progress evaluation audit, I am mindful that these updates or staff engagement in the audit process may be triggering for people who have experienced harmful or unlawful behaviour at work. I also acknowledge the recent changes in Ambulance Victoria’s organisational leadership and encourage anyone experiencing difficulty to reach out to friends or family for support if you can, or see the list of support services linked below.   

Where can I go if I need help? 

As noted in the June and July updates, the Commission is not taking written submissions during Phase 3 of the review. If you have experienced discrimination, sexual harassment, victimisation or bullying and need support, please refer to our support service and referral directory. 

If you would like to speak with someone about other opportunities for addressing unlawful behaviour, you can contact our Enquiry Line on 1300 292 153 for more information. 

How can I stay up to date on the progress of the review? 

I’ll continue to share monthly updates on our progress throughout Phase 3 of the review. If you would like to sign up to our distribution list, please email the AV review team at AVreview@veohrc.vic.gov.au. 

Keep well.  

Warmly 

Ro Allen
Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner