CFA chief executive Paul Smith resigns, sparking hunt for fifth CEO in four years

The Country Fire Authority will again be forced to search for a new chief executive after Paul Smith — the CFA’s fifth chief in four years — handed in his ­resignation.

Paul Smith was the CFA’s fifth CEO in four years.

The Country Fire Authority will again be forced to search for a new chief executive after Paul Smith handed in his ­resignation.

Mr Smith was the CFA’s fifth CEO in four years, and had been in the job little more than a year.

He will move to the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions to become the chief adviser on climate change and industry transition.

MORE: SMITH URGED TO TAKE LEAVE DURING FIRE SEASON

NEW CHECKS FOR CFA VOLUNTEERS

Paul Smith will take on a new job as chief adviser on climate change and industry transition. Picture: AAP/Chris Eastman

The Herald Sun revealed last month that Mr Smith was urged by the CFA board to take time off at the height of the fire season.

Insiders said Mr Smith was unlikely to remain in the job long-term but that the ­Andrews Government did not want to lose another fire services leader during summer.

In a letter to staff on Monday morning, Mr Smith said he was leaving with “some sadness”.

“I came to CFA with a clear mandate to prepare the organisation for change, both cultural and organisational, and I believe we have taken some important steps over the past year,” he said.

CFA chairman Greg Smith told staff the board was ­disappointed “to be losing someone of Paul’s calibre and experience”.

A CFA spokeswoman ­refused to answer questions about Mr Smith last month, only saying he was on health-related leave, as those close to him maintained he would ­remain at the CFA.

But the Herald Sun was told there were multiple factors in the decision for him to take time off, including his involvement in the CFA’s bizarre deal to send $150,000 of taxpayers’ money to Rugby Victoria in a push to “promote diversity and inclusion”.

CFA people and culture executive director Liz Radcliffe (left) with CFA deputy chief officer Steph Rotarangi in rugby gear.

An independent probe into the controversial arrangement has gathered steam in recent weeks.

CFA people and culture boss Liz Radcliffe, who worked with Mr Smith at the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, was ­instrumental in striking the deal despite conflict-of-interest concerns, given she is also a Rugby Victoria director.

Ms Radcliffe has been on enforced leave since before Christmas, with negotiations continuing over whether she should receive a payout and part ways with the CFA.

A replacement for Mr Smith has not been announced. Some within the CFA are believed to favour combining the chief executive and chief officer positions — as the MFB has done.

CFA chief officer Steve Warrington is currently on extended leave.

A government spokeswoman said: “Paul Smith has provided the CFA with great leadership and expertise in his time as CEO and we wish him well in his new role.”

Opposition emergency services spokesman Brad Battin said: “Once again, Victorians are being placed at risk as the chaos in our fire services continues unabated.”