A former paramedic has claimed a drug investigation has left Geelong’s ambulance service understaffed and overworked, and exhausted paramedics were more likely to make mistakes. The former paramedic, who asked to remain anonymous, said Geelong was relying on paramedics working overtime to cover a hole left in the workforce by the suspension of at least 10 members of its ranks. The source claimed Geelong’s ambulance service had been asking paramedics to take on overtime shifts every day since at least November. “Sometimes three or four text messages a day with three or four shifts in them,” the source said.
January 24, 2017
Former prime minister Tony Abbot has seized on the shock resignation of vice-president Graeme Watson to accuse the workplace tribunal of being “pro union and anti-jobs” while business groups have called for the Turnbull government to overhaul the commission to address claims of dysfunction and bias.
January 24, 2017
The multi-agency search for a missing 87-year-old IRT resident has been suspended after a third day. James Simpson, who is believed to have dementia and hearing problems, was reported missing from the retirement village in St Georges Basin on Saturday, sparking a major police search.
January 24, 2017
A Queensland union boss racked up thousands of dollars on his corporate credit card on charges including fancy restaurants in Las Vegas and Whitsundays cruises. Stephen Smyth, president of the CFMEU Queensland branch, even paid dentist, plumbing and butcher shop bills with his union MasterCard. During a stay at a Las Vegas casino hotel in July and August 2015, Mr Smyth paid $632.60 while dining at Maggiano’s Little Italy where customers fork out $63 for a prime New York steak. While in the same town, Mr Smyth spent $466.80 at the Mirage Hotel’s Portofino restaurant where “world-class executive chef Michael LaPlaca gives an unforgettable modern twist to classic Italian foods”.
January 24, 2017
The National Union of Workers and Mayne Pharma International Pty Ltd will have their s.739 (Application to deal with a dispute) heard by Deputy President Gostencnik in Hearing Room 11-1 – Level 11 in Sydney at 4.30pm today.
January 24, 2017
An application for approval of the Minda Incorporated Enterprise Agreement No. 9, 2016 (s.185 – Application for approval of a single-enterprise agreement) will be determined by Commissioner Saunders in the Fair Work Commission Terrace Tower 80 William Street East Sydney at 2.30pm.
January 24, 2017
Pompur Paanthu Aboriginal Corporation is to defend a s.365 (Application to deal with contraventions involving dismissal) before Deputy President Clancy in his Sydney chambers at 2pm (Tan).
January 24, 2017
St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney Ltd is facing a s.394 (Application for unfair dismissal remedy) lodged by an ex-staffer (Grygiel).
