Former Ambulance Victoria chief Tony Walker dies

Mr Walker served as CEO of the organisation until his resignation in 2022 after being diagnosed with bowel cancer earlier that year.

Last year Mr Walker underwent a successful liver transplant saying without it “my life and my future would look very different”.

In his time with Ambulance Victoria Professor Walker has worked as a paramedic, MICA paramedic, general manager, and CEO.

“I love this organisation and, as I am sure you can appreciate, the decision hasn’t been an easy one,” Professor Walker said when he announced his resignation.

“However, the past five months have given me an opportunity to reflect deeply on what’s important and I feel the time is right for me, my family and also for AV.”

Current AV chief, Jordan Emery, said Prof Walker, who was CEO between 2014 to 2022, left behind an “extraordinary legacy”.

And he described him as a “champion of the profession of paramedicine and of AV.”

“Throughout his career, he was a passionate advocate for both our patients and our people, leading AV through a period of significant change. He believed deeply in delivering the very best care to the Victorian community and in ensuring the wellbeing of those who provide that care every day,” Mr Emery said in an email to staff.

“As chief executive Officer, Tony championed initiatives that continue to shape AV today. “Under his leadership, the GoodSAM program was introduced in Victoria, connecting nearby trained responders with people experiencing cardiac arrest and helping save lives through faster access to CPR before paramedics arrive. He was also a strong advocate for innovation in workforce wellbeing, supporting the introduction of Victoria’s first ambulance Peer Support Dog program and driving significant investment in mental health programs that recognised the unique challenges faced by paramedics and first responders.

“Tony’s influence extended well beyond AV, as chair of the Council of Ambulance Authorities, he helped shape ambulance services across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. He was awarded the Ambulance Service Medal for his outstanding contribution to ambulance services and was recognised nationally for his work in advancing cardiovascular care, resuscitation outcomes and first responder mental health.

“In 2019, he was named a finalist for the Australian Mental Health Prize in recognition of his commitment to improving the wellbeing of paramedics and emergency service workers.

“More recently, Tony has driven the development of the Australian-first Centre of Excellence for Paramedicine, serving on the joint agency steering committee with the Victorian government and Victoria University.

“While Tony’s achievements were remarkable, those who knew him will remember him most for the person he was. He was a leader who genuinely cared about people and understood that behind every ambulance response was a patient needing care and a paramedic committed to making a difference.

“He never lost sight of the human side of this profession and that philosophy continues to influence our organisation today.

“On behalf of Ambulance Victoria, I extend our most sincere sympathies to Tony’s wife, Robyn, his children, and all who knew and loved him.”