Paramedic Attrition Threatens NSW Response Times

Sydney - The union representing New South Wales (NSW) paramedics has issued an urgent warning to the state government on Thursday, citing federal data that reveals NSW spends significantly less per capita on ambulance services than the national average.

The Australian Paramedics Association (NSW) (APA) described the latest Report on Government Services (RoGS) as a "wake-up call," claiming that systemic underfunding is driving high attrition rates and compromising response times.

According to the report, NSW spends A$213.73 per person on ambulance services.

This figure trails the Australian national average of A$232.63 and sits well behind neighboring Victoria (A$235.25) and Tasmania (A$325.33).

Union leaders argue that the lack of financial parity is manifesting in deteriorating infrastructure and a workforce pushed to its limit.

“This funding gap has real-world consequences,” said Brett Simpson, President of APA (NSW).“We see it in ageing stations, delayed replacement of equipment, and increasing pressure on paramedics who are already working at unsustainable levels,” said Brett Simpsons, President of APA (NSW)

While patient satisfaction remains high at 98%, the report highlighted a growing disconnect in service delivery, with 11% of patients reporting that ambulances arrived slower than they expected.

The union also flagged a shift in the workforce profile that places an "unseen" burden on veteran staff.

While NSW and Victoria employ roughly the same number of qualified paramedics (4,352), NSW relies on more than three times as many base-level or student officers.

The APA noted that while 431 full-time equivalent staff were added over the last year, the service lost 260 paramedics to attrition—a turnover that erodes the pool of experienced mentors.

“New paramedics are essential and very much welcomed... but they require supervision,” said APA's Mr. Wilson.

“That supervision workload falls on experienced paramedics, adding to pressure unless it is properly resourced and recognised," he said.

Part of the Demands for ReformWith 20% of the workforce now over the age of 50, the union is demanding a structural overhaul to retain institutional knowledge.

 The APA is calling for flexible working arrangements and reduced night shifts for long-serving staff, proper remuneration for supervision and mentoring roles and ransparent career opportunities to curb the loss of veteran clinicians.

“Underfunding today means higher attrition, less reliable or outdated equipment... and poorer outcomes tomorrow,” Simpson warned.