NewsBite

Canadian firefighter Ken Block named Fire Rescue Victoria commissioner from July next year

After years of industrial turmoil, a Canadian firefighter has been named as the man to head the new Fire Rescue Victoria agency when it opens in July next year.

Vic Premier denies secret firefighter deal

Canadian firefighter Ken Block will be the first commissioner of Fire Rescue Victoria when the agency opens in July next year.

The Andrews Government has decided on the boss of Edmonton Fire Rescue Services after an international search to fill the role, following the departure of several fire services chiefs during years of industrial turmoil.

Mr Block is close to United Firefighters Union boss Peter Marshall, who this morning welcomed the appointment and said the union “looks forward to working productively” with him.

He is expected to start work in February before formally becoming the commissioner on July 1 next year, when the agency combines paid firefighters from the MFB and the CFA, which will become a volunteer-only organisation.

Emergency Services Minister Lisa Neville said the government had 10 “very high quality applications” and that three people were short-listed.

“I’ve got no doubt Ken is the right person,” she said.

“With almost 40 years of firefighting experience, Mr Block has the skills and the distinguished emergency services history to serve the Victorian community and lead the establishment of Fire Rescue Victoria.”

Mr Block is close to United Firefighters Union boss Peter Marshall. Picture: Nicole Garmston
Mr Block is close to United Firefighters Union boss Peter Marshall. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Mr Block had interviewed unsuccessfully early last year to become the MFB chief officer.

The job was instead given to UK firefighter Dan Stephens, whose appointment infuriated Mr Marshall. They had a difficult relationship, and when Ms Neville refused to back Mr Stephens to lead the new agency in July, he quit and moved back home.

Mr Block, who has known Mr Marshall since 2011, said he was a “collaborator” who could work with the union, having previously led the Edmonton firefighters union.

“It’s a new day, I think I bring something to the table that is somewhat different, my style, and I can’t wait to get started,” he said.

The Herald Sun reported in early October that Mr Block was expected to be appointed to the top job. It came after he attended the UFU’s gala ball with Ms Neville and Mr Marshall.

Ms Neville said the MFB job Mr Block missed out on last year was “a different job” and that the appointment was made by the MFB board.

MORE NEWS:

VICTORIANS FACING ‘REAL RISK’ TO POWER SUPPLY

PREMIER DENIES DISCUSSING ‘PLANNING MATTERS’ WITH DEVELOPER

DECISION LOOMING ON GOBBO’S ROYAL COMMISSION TESTIMONY

Asked about their UFU ball meeting, she said: “The first time I met Ken, I shook his hand and said hello, and then the interview.”

Ms Neville said the union was not consulted on Mr Block’s appointment and that Mr Marshall was informed this morning.

“We have had an incredibly toxic environment in Victoria,” she said.

“We had to do things differently and in my view, we needed to see a different sort of person, different skills, different demeanour, coming to Victoria to give us a chance to move on from that toxic culture that exists.”

tom.minear@news.com.au

@tminear

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/canadian-firefighter-ken-block-named-fire-rescue-victoria-commissioner-from-july-next-year/news-story/7509ec40276b296997fcb98e17028dbf