The Australasian College of Paramedicine (the College) applauds the Northern Territory’s appointment of Michelle Piercy as Chief Paramedic Officer (CPO) in what is a significant milestone for the profession as a whole and an important step forward in increasing gender representation in leadership roles, and is a key focus of the College’s advocacy efforts with state and territory governments.
Ms Piercy, a registered paramedic and nurse and College member, joins Victorian CPO Dr Louise Reynolds as the most senior female paramedics and currently the only two CPOs in Australia, reinforcing the profession’s growing recognition as an integral health workforce, providing leadership at the highest levels to guide the profession’s development, and helping to shape the future of paramedicine.
“I am humbled and excited to step into the role of Chief Paramedic Officer for the Northern Territory,” Ms Piercy said. “This is a unique opportunity to learn and collaborate with our multidisciplinary teams to overcome challenges and deliver exceptional patient-centred care to our diverse communities.”
College CEO John Bruning said Shell had long been involved in College activities, including in committees, as a presenter at conferences, and in engagement with the profession on both sides of the Tasman.
He said the appointment was not only a celebration of individual achievement, but also a reflection of a broader shift towards gender equity in paramedicine - a profession that, historically, has been disproportionately represented by men - and exemplified the growing recognition and acknowledgment of the importance women in leadership roles.
“Women comprise a significant portion of the paramedic workforce - close to 50% nationally, with current figures reporting 12,908 females and 12,553 males - and their leadership in positions such as the CPO role is a powerful signal that gender diversity at the executive level is both necessary and possible,” Mr Bruning said. “As paramedicine’s peak professional body, the College is committed to supporting the growth, development, and representation of women in leadership roles, and I’m excited to witness the positive impact our CPOs will have on the future growth of the profession.
“The Northern Territory’s decision to establish this position is also a step toward creating stronger governmental support for paramedics, ensuring they have the resources and leadership necessary to deliver optimal health outcomes, and we will continue to strongly advocate for other states and territories to follow suit.”
Media contact:
Jemma Altmeier, College Advocacy and Government Relations Manager; email: jemma.altmeier@paramedics.org; phone: 0409 911 681
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The College is the peak professional body representing and supporting paramedics and student paramedics across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand since 1973.
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