CFA’s independence would be restored under Opposition leader Michael O’Brien
The CFA’s power to select, recruit and manage its own staff would be restored under a proposal to return the fire authority’s independence. Here’s how it would work.
VIC News
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The state Opposition has pledged to return power to the CFA and restore it to a wholly independent fire authority.
Sweeping reforms come into effect today merging CFA career staff with the MFB to form the state’s new service — Fire Rescue Victoria.
Under the changes FRV staff will be seconded back to the CFA to run its operations in a move angry volunteers say will turn the iconic organisation into a “second class service”.
Opposition leader Michael O’Brien said he would hand full power back to the CFA within the first 100 days of being elected to government.
Mr O’Brien said he would fast track legislation to restore the CFA’s power to select, recruit and manage its own staff and wear the CFA uniform.
Legislation would also enhance the CFA’s powers and responsibilities for the ongoing delivery of fire services in current CFA areas.
And an independent Commissioner for Emergency Services Volunteers would be appointed to investigate issues raised by volunteers, make recommendations on policies and practices, and handle disputes.
Mr O’Brien said the rebuilt service would restore the CFA to an independent fire authority that respected volunteers.
“The Andrews Labor Government has sided with its union mates and driven the boot into hardworking Victorian CFA volunteers who have been forced out of the service,” he said.
“By rebuilding and restoring the CFA, we will give thousands of Victorian volunteers the respect that their service has been denied by this Andrews Labor government.”
Mr O’Brien said his government would consult with Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV) and CFA brigades across Victoria to identify the essential powers, people and resources that are needed to rebuild and restore the CFA.
He would also reform the Country Fire Authority Act to require that all members of the CFA Board must sign up to, and be bound by, the Volunteer Charter.
Opposition emergency services spokesman Nick Wakeling said despite serving their communities for over 75 years, CFA volunteers had been sidelined by a militant union.
“Labor is content to push out hardworking CFA volunteers and see decades of experience walk out the door,” he said.
“The Liberal Nationals know that Victorian communities want the CFA reinstated and only we will deliver that piece of mind not only to those who rely on them, but the thousands of volunteers who put their lives on the line each day.”
Victorian Nationals leader Peter Walsh said under today’s changes hundreds of CFA staff had been stripped out and volunteers sidelined.
The controversial reforms sparked the sudden resignation of former CFA chief Steve Warrington last week after he refused to buckle to pressure to sign a legal instrument needed for the secondment of staff from Fire Rescue Victoria.
His deputy, Stephanie Rotarangi, took leave over the same incident.
It is understood Mr Warrington had consistently expressed concern about the secondment element of the restructure.
Clyde Fire Brigade captain Andrew Milligan this week resigned citing his “disgust with the current relationship between the Victorian government and CFA volunteers.”
Molyullah Rural Fire Brigade captain Geoff Forman said volunteers in the area, near Benalla in the state’s northeast, had no confidence in the reforms.
“The flow-on effect of our commanders being only seconded from FRV instead of belonging solely to the organisation they serve will be destabilising to say the least, and dysfunctional at worst,” Mr Forman said.
“Such employment duplicity should never be. It will cause uncertainty in both giving and receiving of command for all parties.”
Member for Northern Victoria and CFA volunteer, Tania Maxwell, has called on all CFA volunteers to wear a black armband with their uniforms from today.
“Volunteers feel let down and unappreciated by this entire process and it is heartbreaking. For many of them, this may be the last straw.,” she said.
“Unfortunately, I fear the death of the volunteer fire service.”
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