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Labor will rescue Tasmania’s rescue service

11 July 2025

Every Tasmanian knows our health system needs rescuing. Whether it's life-saving helicopter rescues or free doctor appointments through TassieDoc - it's clear that Labor is the party with the fresh ideas needed to breathe life back into Tasmanians health system.
A Dean Winter Labor Government will stop the Liberals reckless plan to outsource Tasmania’s emergency rescue helicopter service to a mainland operator — and will back in Rotor-Lift to keep saving lives as the trusted local provider.
After 25 years and more than 14,000 life-saving missions, Rotor-Lift is facing the axe when its contract expires in January. The Liberals’ botched tender process could leave Tasmania without a rescue helicopter service at the height of summer – and without a plan to replace it – there’s no new base, no new aircraft, and no provider ready to go.

Despite the chaos, the Liberals still won’t come clean with Tasmanians about what’s going on – and whether they’re selling off an essential service to a mainland operator if the contract is taken offshore.

That is why a Dean Winter Labor Government will rescue the rescue service by locking in Rotor-Lift.
If the contract is taken offshore:
  • More than 37 highly skilled local jobs will be lost.
  • Tasmania’s only helicopter rescue simulator would be shut down.
  • Our state’s unique and dangerous terrain will be managed by a mainland-based crew with no local experience.
  • Iconic bushwalking tracks and remote areas may be forced to close if there’s no rescue capability; and
  • Taxpayers could be forced to foot the bill for a new base that could cost $30 million, without a single helicopter ready to fly.
This is about more than procurement. It’s about saving lives with a provider Tasmanians know and trust.

When emergencies strike, Tasmanians deserve to know help is coming from locals who know the land, not contractors flown in from the mainland. The knowledge and expertise of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter was displayed in the recent Australian Story on the incredible rescue of Valdas Bieliauskas from the Franklin River.

It’s time to rescue the rescue service.

It's time for a fresh start under Labor.

Dean Winter MP
Labor Leader

Ella Haddad MP
Shadow Health Minister

 

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Authorised by Jarryd Moore, Australian Labor Party, L2/63 Salamanca Pl, Hobart TAS 7000