The Rockliff Liberal Government has welcomed a new funding agreement with Westpac Banking Corporation to enhance emergency helicopter services that provide life-saving care to the Tasmanian community.
The agreement is for an initial term of two years to 2026 and will enable the purchase of specialist equipment, training, and other service enhancing measures to ensure that the Tasmanian emergency helicopter services deliver world-class care.
Minister for Health, Guy Barnett, said that Westpac has sponsored the emergency helicopter service in Tasmania since 2000, supporting a vital emergency service that has performed more than 7,000 missions in Tasmania during that time.
“This is an absolutely vital service that provides timely and critical care to severely injured or unwell Tasmanians, supporting people in their greatest hour of need,’’ Minister Barnett said.
“I am pleased that our long-standing partnership with Westpac will continue in relation to the sponsorship of the emergency helicopter service. We value their support very highly.
“The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service also provides important capability for Tasmania Police and has been deployed to save lives in a variety of challenging environments over many years.
“From last week, a new direct agreement has commenced between Westpac Banking Corporation and the Department of Health, through Ambulance Tasmania.
“This agreement will ensure a closer partnership with Westpac so that we can continue to strengthen our emergency helicopter services.”
Minister Barnett thanked the Tasmanian Air Rescue Trust for its stewardship of this vital service over the last 24 years.
Justin Caccavo, Regional General Manager, Tasmania at Westpac, also welcomed the agreement.
“Westpac has supported our incredible services across Australia for more than 50 years, including 24 years in Tasmania,” said Mr Caccavo.
“Our people are so proud of this partnership and the fact that our support has meant that no Tasmanian in the history of the service has paid to be rescued. Through this new agreement, we’re delighted that this will continue.”
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