Queensland government to consider privatising air ops
The government of the state of Queensland, Australia, is to undertake a review of its air service operations, looking at how best to deliver value for money and whether the services should be privatised. In a statement, Treasurer and Minister for Trade Tim Nicholls said that private companies will be asked to register their interest in delivering services with the Emergency Management Queensland (EMQ), police and government air wings.
The government of the state of Queensland, Australia, is to undertake a review of its air service operations, looking at how best to deliver value for money and whether the services should be privatised. In a statement, Treasurer and Minister for Trade Tim Nicholls said that private companies will be asked to register their interest in delivering services with the Emergency Management Queensland (EMQ), police and government air wings. If there is sufficient interest, the government will then consider commencing a more detailed Expression of Interest process, he said. EMQ Helicopter Rescue provides a search and rescue and air ambulance service within the state.
The review will determine the most effective and efficient way to operate the government’s fleet, said Nicholls: “These services provide vital assistance to the Queensland community and facilitate Government business across this vast state. Queensland’s emergency pilots were a Godsend during the summer of natural disasters. Every day they transport sick patients … for treatment and deliver organs for transplant.” He added that no services would be affected by the review: “There will be no reduction in the number of flying hours. In fact, we are seeking an increase.”
A range of options will be considered, said Nicholls, including outsourcing all or part of the government’s air service operations and infrastructure to a commercial third party, or operating the fleet from a single integrated air wing: “The review may find current operational arrangements are ideal. But we owe it to the people of Queensland to examine these services closely, to ensure taxpayers are getting the best bang for their buck.”