The boss of Ambulance Tasmania has again banned staff from wearing Santa hats or decorating ambulances this Christmas, just as paramedics threaten to take industrial action.
That means baubles, tinsel and reindeer antlers won’t be seen on the state’s ambulances after paramedics were told the ‘age-old tradition’ is no longer allowed.
Chief Executive Jordan Emery told staff in an email not to decorate their ambulances as the fleet needs to remain ‘professional and safe’ over the Christmas period.
He said executives spent ‘several weeks’ deciding this outcome and believes Christmas decorations may make paramedics appear less serious about their jobs.
The decision has sparked controversy, with both the Health and Community Services Union (HACSU) and Labor expressing disagreement.
“This fun police directive is completely over the top. We know decking out ambulances is your thing during Christmas, and you always put patient care and safety first,” the HACSU told members.
“It seems like nothing but AT management trying to deny your ability to lift morale and spirits during the festive season. Shouldn’t they have more pressing things to worry about than decorations on a few ambulances?”
“Health Minister Guy Barnett needs to quickly reverse the ridiculous decision … It beggars belief that a nano-second was spent considering such a bad decision let alone months,” Shadown Health Minister Anita Dow said.
“The morale of the Ambulance service is at an all-time low thanks to this Liberal government and this decision to effectively ban Christmas is just another blow that should never have occurred.”
“Our paramedics and volunteer ambulance officers do an amazing job under incredible pressure and our community holds them in the highest of respect.”
The ban does not apply to the decoration of stations and office spaces.
