Victorian government pushing ahead with split despite fire services bill delay

THE dismantling of Victoria’s fire services has begun despite the Andrews Government’s legislation stalling in parliament.

THE dismantling of Victoria’s fire services has begun despite the Andrews Government’s legislation stalling in parliament.

The Bill, needed to restructure the agencies, was sent to a select committee yesterday and will not be voted on until after the review is handed down on August 8.

But the chief executives of the CFA and MFB have written to staff saying an implementation committee, headed by former Fire Rescue NSW commissioner Greg Mullins, will begin pushing ahead with the reforms.

Fire season preparedness hearings on at Parliament. MFB Chief Executive Jim Higgins. Picture: Ellen Smith

“This committee will lead on how the reforms will be implemented across the state prior to the next fire season,’’ the MFB’s chief executive Jim Higgins said.

“The establishment of this committee reaffirms the Government’s commitment to implement reform of the fire services.”

A similar message was circulated among CFA staff as Coalition MP Gordon Rich-Phillips moved to have the Bill scrutinised by a Legislative Council panel on Wednesday.

The parliamentary probe was supported by Democratic Labor Party MP Rachel Carling-Jenkins, who will have the deciding vote, which she said would be swayed by the inquiry’s findings.

“It was very difficult to ascertain what’s the truth, what’s the perception, who to trust and I believe the committee process will get to the bottom of this,’’ she said.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announcing CFA split, is facing a tough time in the polls. Picture Tony Gough

DLP upper house MP Rachel Carling-Jenkins is emerging as the key to the stalemate over the legislation. Picture: Tony Gough

The Government pushed to add a ninth member to the committee, which is made up of three government MPs, three opposition MPs, a Greens MP, and a crossbench MP — to avoid another stalemate.

However, the amendment was voted down.

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