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The Tasmanian government has tapped StarFlight Australia to provide aeromedical services under a new $354 million, 12-year contract.
StarFlight, a joint venture between Fox Group Holdings and LifeFlight Australia, will begin Tasmanian services on 12 January 2026, taking over from current contractor Rotor-Lift Aviation, which has provided aeromedical and search-and-rescue flights in the state for almost 25 years.
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The new service will operate temporarily from an existing base at Cambridge Aerodrome before moving to a new purpose-built facility. Current police and ambulance staff under the existing contract will be transferred to the new service.
“We are grateful to the Tasmanian Government for placing its trust in StarFlight to deliver a service that places an increased focus on patient outcomes,” StarFlight chair Dennis Richardson said.
“We take this responsibility seriously. Our commitment is to ensure Tasmanians – no matter where they live, or when they need help – have timely access to world-class aeromedical care.
“The service will provide opportunities for Tasmanians through local recruitment, apprenticeship schemes and clear career opportunities. With accredited training programs and fast-track pathways, we aim to build a sustainable, highly-skilled workforce that supports the state well into the future.”
StarFlight will provide 24/7 services, and Jim Elder said it “is aligned with the organisation’s capability in aeromedicine, search and rescue and aviation”.
“StarFlight will provide a locally based, mission-ready rescue service focused on continuity of care, safety and improved patient outcomes for Tasmania’s most isolated communities,” he said.
“We are also committed to local job creation with engineers and apprentices, accredited training, and delivery of community programs such as our free emergency trauma training First Minutes Matter.
“Our model has been successfully implemented in other parts of Australia, including Queensland where LifeFlight helped a record 8,497 people in the past year and flew 3,732 missions over the year.”
In a statement, the Tasmanian Department of Health said the open tender process was designed to ensure “the best aeromedical service is being provided at competitive cost”.
“The new agreement ensures the continuation of the essential services Tasmanians expect and rely on, along with access to Starflight’s state-of-the-art technologies and extensive support networks,” the department said.
“A detailed set of criteria were evaluated as part of the process, with all tenders subject to intensive scrutiny. The successful application was selected as it clearly demonstrated that it provided the best value for money for Tasmania over the lifetime of the contract.
“There is a commitment to retaining local jobs and skills as part of the new contract. StarFlight will be working to secure employees currently working under the present contract, as part of an ongoing recruitment process which will open over the coming weeks.”
Rotor-Lift Aviation has been contacted for comment.
