Commissioner Georgeina Whelan has stood down amid claims of cultural issues at the ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA).

Her decision comes on the heels of a scathing independent review that reportedly exposed alarming allegations of bullying, secrecy, and dubious decision-making within the leadership team.

The review, which included 18 crucial recommendations, left no room for doubt as it demanded an immediate “cultural shift” within the ESA, the organisation responsible for managing the firefighting, ambulance, and emergency response services in the ACT. 

The report revealed instances of internal strife, with executive management accused of fostering a toxic work environment marked by bullying, blame-shifting, and information hoarding.

Paramedics' mounting frustrations culminated in two damning no-confidence motions passed against Commissioner Georgeina Whelan over the past year. 

Just six weeks ago, the Transport Workers Union (TWU) ACT meeting bore witness to the latest vote of no confidence, signalling that her position had become untenable in their eyes.

Safety concerns and demands for improved working conditions fueled the TWU's fight, further fueled by a refusal to acknowledge and address the agency's deep-rooted issues. 

While Assistant Commissioner Jason Jones steps in to lead the agency temporarily, the government remains tight-lipped on any potential disciplinary actions within the ESA leadership team. 

The report's scope focused on the agency's collective dynamics, avoiding individual blame. 

As such, questions regarding specific actions against those responsible for the toxic environment have gone unanswered.

Unions have lambasted the report for its lack of clarity in identifying the members of the leadership team under review. While critical of the ESA's current state, they express relief that the review exposed the toxic behaviour that has plagued the agency.

The next statutory review of the ESA is scheduled for the following year, potentially paving the way for a broader examination of the agency's practices.