MEDIA RELEASE
SA Ambulance Service mechanics and service technicians responsible for keeping South Australia’s ambulance fleet safe and on the road will commence industrial action this Friday after Enterprise Agreement negotiations with the State Government stalled.
AEA members working at SA Ambulance’s Fleet Complex in Fulham have overwhelmingly supported industrial action commencing from day shift on Friday 6 November 2026.
The experienced mechanics and service technicians are responsible for servicing, maintaining and commissioning ambulances and specialist equipment used by Paramedics and Ambulance Officers across South Australia.
The State Government has offered members just 2.5% per annum with no changes to conditions, or 3% per annum with the complete removal of existing job security and anti-privatisation protections contained in the Redeployment, Retraining and Redundancy provisions.
Members are seeking a real pay rise, protection of their job security and improved conditions that recognise their specialist work. They are also seeking to move into the SAAS Enterprise Agreement so their technical work, seven-day rostering arrangements and working conditions can be properly recognised, similar to the approach already taken for trades employees within the SA Metropolitan Fire Service.
Previous agreements have left members going backwards in real terms, with wage increases failing to keep pace with inflation.
The AEA wrote directly to Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis on 23 October seeking an urgent meeting to progress negotiations and a revised offer. To date, there has been no response to the request to meet.
Industrial action commencing Friday will include bans on our members performing warranty work, vehicle decommissioning and modifications, external vehicle cleaning, additional light fleet repairs, and dropping off or collecting vehicles for repairs.
Escalating industrial action will occur if the State Government does not provide members with a satisfactory offer.
Quotes attributable to AEA A\ General Secretary Josh Karpowicz
“Our ambulance mechanics and service technicians are the experienced people behind the scenes who keep South Australia’s ambulance fleet safe, reliable and on the road every day.”
“Paramedics and Ambulance Officers place an enormous amount of trust in these members and the work they perform. Every shift they rely on safe and reliable vehicles as their workplaces that have been properly serviced, maintained and commissioned.”
“Our Fleet mechanics and service technicians work seven days a week to meet the specialist needs of the Ambulance Service, but their skills, flexibility and contribution are not being properly recognised by the State Government.”
“It is completely unreasonable to tell these workers that, in order to achieve a sub-par pay offer of just 3% per annum, they must give up their job security.”
“Our members have suffered a real-terms pay cut over recent years. They are simply seeking a real pay rise and conditions that recognise their specialist skills and the important work they do.”
“The AEA wrote directly to the Treasurer almost two weeks ago seeking an urgent meeting to progress negotiations. We have received no response, and our members have been left with little choice but to take industrial action.”
“Our members have overwhelmingly supported this action. If the State Government does not come back with a reasonable offer, industrial action will continue and escalate.”
Josh Karpowicz, AEA A/ General Secretary, will be available for comment at 10:00am, Thursday 5 November 2026, at the AEA offices 13 Hindmarsh Place, Hindmarsh.
Media contact:
Josh Karpowicz
Acting General Secretary
Ambulance Employees Association of South Australia
0488 323 251