New South Wales is taking a major step forward in regional healthcare with the deployment of 125 new paramedics across rural and regional areas. This second wave of frontline staff is part of the Minns Labor Government's broader promise to deliver 500 additional paramedics to the regions, improving emergency medical care in some of the state’s most remote communities.
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These new paramedics have already started joining NSW Ambulance teams in Albury, Dubbo, Orange, Wagga Wagga and Yamba, expanding the support available to residents in those key locations.
More Locations in the Pipeline
NSW Ambulance is also in discussions with the Health Services Union to finalise proposed deployments to Young, Deniliquin, Moree, Blayney, Tamworth South, and Temora.
These appointments are part of the Strategic Workforce and Infrastructure Team (SWIFT) Program, which is designed to strengthen emergency health services statewide. The program includes:
- 2,500 additional health staff across NSW
- 500 paramedics dedicated to regional and rural communities
- 30 new ambulance stations to enhance emergency response and healthcare delivery
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Improving Outcomes and Reducing Pressure
This expanded workforce aims to reduce emergency response times, improve patient outcomes, and ease the burden on existing paramedics. With increasing demand for mobile health services, these roles are critical to ensuring that rural communities receive consistent, high-quality care.
In 2024, the first wave of paramedics was deployed to Port Macquarie, South West Rocks, Lismore, Goulburn, Bathurst, Blayney, Lithgow, Mudgee, Parkes, Broken Hill, and Ballina.
Investing in Regional Healthcare Workers
To further support paramedic recruitment and retention, the Minns Government is also allocating $10 million toward housing for health workers in regional areas. This is part of a larger $200.1 million Key Health Worker Accommodation program, which will provide a range of housing options for over 500 healthcare workers and their families across the state.
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Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park, said:
"We promised the people of regional, rural and remote NSW we’d deliver them 500 new paramedics, and I am really proud that the second cohort is about to hit the road and take up new roles in the bush."
"These highly skilled paramedics will help drive better health outcomes for patients and their families, ensuring regional communities receive the same high-quality care as metropolitan areas."
NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan added:
"Our paramedics are highly trained professionals dedicated to serving their communities, and this expansion will provide much-needed relief and support to our existing teams."
"As demand for services continues to grow, we remain focused on delivering exceptional emergency and mobile healthcare across NSW."
This workforce expansion reflects the NSW Government's long-term commitment to bridging the gap in healthcare services between regional and metropolitan areas.
Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
