Ambulance Tasmania has appointed a new chief executive, ending months of acting arrangements following Jordan Emery’s resignation earlier this year.
Nicole Ashworth, currently the chief operating officer at Triple Zero Victoria, will step into the role on January 5.
Ashworth has been leading Victoria’s emergency call-taking and dispatch services, overseeing a workforce of 1,400 staff.
In that position, she managed the response to nearly 2.9 million emergency calls last year and drove reforms to the state’s emergency communications systems.
Health Minister Bridget Archer said Ashworth’s background would be a strong asset for Tasmania.
“Ms Ashworth has significant experience across an extensive career in community safety, frontline service delivery and workforce capability across emergency services and health,” Archer said.
A former operational paramedic, Ashworth brings frontline insight that Archer said would help her understand the challenges staff are facing.
“Her background as an operational paramedic and emergency management expert will serve her well in this important role, giving her a strong understanding of pre-hospital care and the essential role of paramedics, call-takers, dispatchers and volunteers in delivering safe and timely emergency responses,” she said.
Michelle Baxter has been acting chief executive since Emery’s departure.
Archer thanked Baxter for her work during the transition period.
The appointment comes as ambulance services across Australia face growing pressure from rising demand and workforce shortages.
Tasmania’s service has been hit by ramping delays and staffing gaps, putting strain on emergency departments and paramedics statewide.
Ashworth will be tasked with tackling these challenges when she begins in the new year.
