John Larter, a paramedic based in the Riverina, is being investigated for potentially breaching the media policy of NSW Ambulance on two occasions.

In one instance, Mr Larter – a former Tumut mayor – was reprimanded for defending Father Brian Hassett, a Tumut priest accused of inappropriate conduct towards children.

NSW Ambulance representatives travelled to Mr Larter’s property this week to hand deliver two letters alleging his misconduct. 

He has since accused NSW Ambulance of “blatantly lying” to the community.

“It’s a complete farce and a communist set up – they might as well tell me what to eat for dinner,” Mr Larter said.

“When you have management that ignore concerns, tell lies and don’t act on correspondence, you’re left with no option.

“I’m telling the unauthorised truth and they’re telling authorised lies.”

An exasperated Mr Larter expressed his fury at the basis of the complaints. 

“In relation to the Tumut priest, he’s entitled to a presumption of innocence and those comments were made as a former mayor in a private capacity,” he said.

“They weren’t even related to NSW Ambulance. 

“On the other hand, the staffing at Coolamon needs to be addressed.

“What happens the next time we need a staff member in Dubbo or Tamworth – do we just set up a tent outside Centrelink and grab some volunteers?

“This will be a situation of life-or-death.”

The new $1.5 million dollar Coolamon Ambulance Station will be manned by just three paramedics and a team of volunteers.

NSW Ambulance have requested Mr Larter respond to the allegations within 10 working days. 

“The available action includes a formal misconduct investigation and/or a finding of misconduct, disciplinary action, remedial action, direct management action, or no further action,” read the letter, seen by Fairfax Media.

“You engaged in one or more media interviews in which you criticised NSW Ambulance policy in relation to Coolamon Ambulance Station.

“Further, you did so knowing you were not briefed on the full modelling consultation or evaluation that had been undertaken in determining the appropriate model for Coolamon.”

It is not the first time the paramedic of 21 years has landed himself in hot water. 

NSW Ambulance warned Mr Larter about breaching media policy in July 2016, after he criticised the lack of alpine equipment provided to paramedics in Tumut, Batlow and Tumbarumba.

The state’s Health Services Union (HSU) secretary Gerard Hayes said it was essential for workers to speak out about issues with the public health system.

"The government needs to drop its high-handed approach of silencing dissent,” he said. 

“That (cold weather uniform) very incident was resolved because someone had the courage to make their voice heard.”

NSW Ambulance said in a statement it had long standing policies and procedures dealing with media statements by serving personnel. 

“There are appropriate mechanisms in place for staff for appeal if required,” the statement read.