Operation Tone: Special report concerning drug use and associated corrupt conduct involving Ambulance Victoria paramedics

Summary

The report's own summary: 1 Summary of investigation and outcomes, pages 7 to 12

In the body's own words

1. Finding

   However, Operation Tone identified a culture of illicit drug use and misappropriation of AV equipment among certain groups and individuals, particularly in the Barwon South West region.

   Operation_Tone_special_report_September_2017_rhFX9xNs, page 32

2. Conclusion

   On the balance of evidence, this conduct likely occurs beyond that identified in Operation Tone.

   Operation_Tone_special_report_September_2017_rhFX9xNs, page 32

Findings, opinions and statements

Allegations are not findings. A commission's finding or opinion of corrupt conduct or misconduct is not a finding that a person is guilty of a criminal offence, and the commissions say so in their reports.

No findings are reproduced in this record. This does not establish that the report contains none.

Recommendations 2

1. Recommendation 1

   That AV conduct a comprehensive review of the use of illicit drugs and misuse of drugs of dependence by AV employees, as well as the development and implementation of a more robust framework to prevent and detect such drug use. The review should consider, among other things: • the development and communication of a clear policy on the use of illicit drugs and misuse of drugs of dependence, and the consequences of such use by AV employees, with reference to contemporary best practice • the adequacy of the current drug testing regime and how it can be improved (eg by conducting random testing of a minimum percentage of the workforce) • the adequacy of current drug controls, including drug disposal processes • improving training and communication to operational employees on relevant policies, including drug handling policies and procedures, and use of AV equipment for personal use • ensuring mechanisms are in place to encourage employees to report suspected misconduct or corrupt conduct including illicit drug use, misuse of drugs of dependence and misappropriation of equipment • strengthening recruitment processes and policies to more effectively identify and manage risks • providing appropriate welfare and support arrangements to employees who appear to be using illicit drugs and/or drugs of dependence.

   Operation Tone: Special report concerning drug use and associated corrupt conduct involving Ambulance Victoria paramedics (tabled PDF), page 12

2. Recommendation 2

   That DHHS consider the issues raised in Operation Tone and whether similar vulnerabilities could exist in other Victorian health services. The Department is to report to IBAC by 28 September 2018 on steps taken to address any such vulnerabilities in the broader health sector.

   Operation Tone: Special report concerning drug use and associated corrupt conduct involving Ambulance Victoria paramedics (tabled PDF), page 12

Published responses

Responses to this report have not been checked.

Notes on this record

• Tabled: Legislative Assembly 2017-09-19; Legislative Council 2017-09-19.

Coverage

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