CFS volunteers association criticises selection of new chief officer
The CFS Volunteers Association is outraged that a new Chief Officer has been chosen despite their voting against it. The Association says the decision is causing instability in the CFS, only months before bushfire season.
Instability and confusion has embroiled the ranks of the Country Fire Service only months before the start of the bushfire season.
The Country Fire Service Volunteer Association has written to all members criticising the selection process of a new CFS Chief Officer, who is expected to be announced next week, despite the association refusing to sign off on the panel’s selection.
The letter, which is signed by CFSVA state president Andy Wood, vice president David Lindner and deputy vice president Jeff Clark, also took aim at Emergency Services Minister Corey Wingard.
The board of the association accused Mr Wingard of disregarding advice from stakeholders on the direction of the CFS.
They also said Mr Wingard had appointed a new CFS chief officer despite the CFSVA saying the applicant did not meet the appropriate criteria.
Treasurer Rob Lucas said the CFSVA had been invited to be a part of the independent selection panel mandated to select the new CFS chief.
“They are one member on a larger panel of stakeholders. I’m advised that all the required processes for the conduct of a selection panel were followed. I’m also advised it is not a requirement for any selection panel to have a unanimous view” Mr Lucas said.
Former CFS chief Greg Nettleton was sacked in April with Mr Wingard declaring he was taking the organisation in a “new direction”.
Head of the SA Fire and Emergency Services Commission Malcolm Jackman resigned in early April.
Both departures triggered a review of SAFECOM which the CFSVA criticised for not consulting key stakeholders.
Opposition Emergency Services spokesman Lee Odenwalder said Mr Wingard had lost the trust of volunteer firefighters.
“On the eve of the new fire season, there is secrecy and confusion over the future direction and leadership of the CFS,” he said.
“The CFS volunteers have clearly had enough.
“Steven Marshall and Corey Wingard must put public safety first. They need to be absolutely clear about where they and the new SAFECOM chief are taking the CFS, and what impact this will have on our volunteers, as they prepare for another demanding fire season.”