Parliament petition for free ambulance services and State Government funding by Country Women’s Association WA

A petition calling for free ambulance services in Western Australia was launched this week, arguing the State Government should fund regional ambulance centres to appropriately service the community.

The Country Women’s Association of WA started the petition in the hope of addressing the expensive cost to patients requiring ambulance assistance and easing pressure on ambulance services.

CWA WA State president Anne Gething said the emergency service was vital in regional communities and a lack of funding and resources resulted in strained volunteers, while increased pressure in recent years caused challenges for volunteers and patients.

“While there are over 100 regional sub-centres, the vast majority of these are run by volunteers,” she said.

“In a State as wealthy as WA, there’s no reason why volunteers should be fundraising to keep local ambulances running. The State Government must step up and provide adequate operational funding for regional ambulance sub-centres.”

Mrs Gething said people without pension or insurance cover were shocked to discover a bill of more than $1000 after live-saving medical services.

“It is unacceptable that people feel compelled to transport an extremely ill patient to hospital by car, in fear of a large cost,” she said.

Mrs Gething said if the petition received more than 10,000 signatures it would be discussed in Parliament.

West Australian residents have the opportunity to sign the petition online until October 11 on the WA Parliament website.