Daniel Andrews’ triple-zero crisis continues to worsen as new documents confirm the details of two botched multi-million-dollar IT projects.
Government documents have revealed an IT upgrade of triple-zero’s Computer Aided Dispatch system was delivered more than two years late and 500 per cent over budget.
The dispatch system is used to get ambulance, fire, police and SES units where they are needed in emergency situations.
Originally announced in 2017 at a cost of $2.88 million, this upgrade promised to “mitigate underlying system and cybersecurity risks and take advantage of features required to meet future emergency services needs”.
Despite being an upgrade to existing software, this project was completed two years late and at a total delivery cost of $17.48 million – a cost blowout that could’ve hired 162 new frontline call takers.
Furthermore, a human resources, recruitment and goal-setting information technology project was delivered more than six months late and at a cost of $2.34 million – a 52 per cent blowout on the original budget.
Under the Andrews Labor Government, triple-zero has missed its ambulance dispatch performance benchmarks every year from 2016-17 to 2019-20 as Victorians in need are left waiting longer for help to arrive.
Shadow Minister for Emergency Services Brad Battin said Daniel Andrews’ mismanagement was placing Victorian lives at risk.
“Whilst Victorians are dying on hold or for help that never arrives, Daniel Andrews continues to botch critical triple-zero upgrades,” Mr Battin said.
“Is it any wonder why dispatch benchmarks are being missed when the dispatch system is in chaos?
“Labor knew of issues in triple-zero in 2016 but did nothing. Their failure to act is costing Victorian lives.
“Daniel Andrews simply cannot be trust to fix the triple-zero crisis he has caused. Only a change of Government will get triple-zero working again.
“Only a Matthew Guy Liberals and Nationals Government will fix the triple-zero crisis and get Victorians the help they need, when they need it.”
Brad Battin MP
Shadow Minister for Emergency Services