Mr WOOD - 2010-08-18
My question is a Territory question regarding the tender for providing the aeromedical services which has recently closed. The document has restricted the type of aircraft to be used to twin-engine aircraft. In light of the fact the Royal Flying Doctor and the Northern Territory Police use single-engine aircraft, why did your department put this restriction on the tender? I have also been told the department will need to ask for extra funding for the contract to cover the extra cost involved in the supply of twin-engine aircraft. Is this true?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his important question. There is much debate about the kind of aircraft which can be used by aeromedical services. As you probably recall, the department had asked for a review of aeromedical services, and we rely upon an expert on aeromedical service and on aviation.
The advice we received at the time was, in the Top End of the Northern Territory, a twin-engine aircraft is the most suitable aircraft to be used because of electrical activity during storms. While a Pilatus or any other single-engine aeroplane is suitable to be used in places where they do not have the same weather conditions, the most appropriate type of aircraft to be used in the Top End would be a twin-engine aircraft.
However, there was no restriction on the type of aircraft specified in the tender. The department will consider all type of aircraft as proposed by the tenders. That decision will be made and the tender will be awarded when the decision has been reached.
Madam Speaker, we are trying to provide the best service, not only for efficiency, but also the safety of the doctors, nurses, and the people being evacuated. We will consider the cost of the tender. Our priority is to provide an efficient and effective service throughout the Top End of the Northern Territory.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his important question. There is much debate about the kind of aircraft which can be used by aeromedical services. As you probably recall, the department had asked for a review of aeromedical services, and we rely upon an expert on aeromedical service and on aviation.
The advice we received at the time was, in the Top End of the Northern Territory, a twin-engine aircraft is the most suitable aircraft to be used because of electrical activity during storms. While a Pilatus or any other single-engine aeroplane is suitable to be used in places where they do not have the same weather conditions, the most appropriate type of aircraft to be used in the Top End would be a twin-engine aircraft.
However, there was no restriction on the type of aircraft specified in the tender. The department will consider all type of aircraft as proposed by the tenders. That decision will be made and the tender will be awarded when the decision has been reached.
Madam Speaker, we are trying to provide the best service, not only for efficiency, but also the safety of the doctors, nurses, and the people being evacuated. We will consider the cost of the tender. Our priority is to provide an efficient and effective service throughout the Top End of the Northern Territory.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016