Ambulance unions hit back at defaming claims of “peddled misinformation” when a significant lack of staffing across the Riverina was exposed by the Australian Paramedic Association (APA).

A war of words ensued when the APA said state funding was inadequate.

In response, Wagga MP Daryl Maguire said “truth was the victim” as unions were attempting to attract more members. 

Mr Maguire outlined NSW Ambulance’s multi-million-dollar plans to improve infrastructure, equipment and services in regional and metropolitan areas, including more than 100 additional paramedics.

APA secretary Gary Wilson said paramedics from surrounding towns often assisted Wagga due to the ever-increasing number of emergencies across the city.

He said the move left townships like Junee and Lockhart with little to no rostered paramedics, forcing them to rely on off-duty colleagues.

“APA NSW is a union run by paramedics and the community we serve,” Mr Wilson said.

“We take our integrity seriously.

“Comments like (Mr Maguire’s) are offensive to paramedics who work hard to look after the public.” 

APA Zone liaison Darren Rudd said the service had not indicated the Riverina would see any new paramedics. He said the service’s plans were “fantastic” but did not address the region’s issue.

In one example, Mr Rudd said when an emergency involving a child and a bus occurred in Junee, its paramedics were in Wagga and the only off-duty member was indisposed, meaning help was 20 minutes away. 

He said Mr Maguire needed to be held accountable for his accusations, which were “offensive” and “disappointing”.

Mr Rudd said he wouldn’t say under-staffing was an issue, if it wasn’t. 

“We wouldn’t do this job if we didn’t care about the community,” Mr Rudd said. “The most trusted profession don’t like being called liars.”

The Daily Advertiser was unable to reach Mr Maguire for comment.