Daniel Andrews feeling heat over CFA split decision

DANIEL Andrews is facing a revolt from volunteer firefighters who are fuming about his plan to dismantle the CFA in order to satisfy union demands.

Captain and volunteer John Schurink with other CFA volunteers at Chandler Reserve in Emerald. Picture: Hamish Blair

• Premier Daniel Andrews slammed in CFA split firestorm
• Matthew Johnston: Dan’s last roll of the CFA dice
• Secret MFB shake up ‘imminent’
• MFB chief backs concerns about union

DANIEL Andrews is facing a revolt from volunteer firefighters who are fuming about his plan to dismantle the CFA in order to satisfy union demands.

The Herald Sun understands the full cost of the premier’s radical split, which will leave volunteers in the CFA and take paid CFA and MFB firefighters into a new body called Fire Rescue Victoria, is likely to be hundreds of millions of dollars.

Despite failing to so far consult the CFA and MFB about the restructure, the government will bring in new laws to create FRV to state parliament next week when fireworks are expected.

If legislation passes, a new workplace agreement would be created for FRV firefighters, including veto clauses that sparked the entire saga and which are dubbed “unworkable” by MFB chiefs.

However, MFB chiefs who have previously raised concerns would not be retained under the restructure, sweeping away resistance to a union takeover of fire services.

In a win for all firefighters, presumptive legislation will also be established to allow for cancer compensation for those who have served for a certain number of years.

Exemptions will apply for people who worked at the notorious Fiskville CFA training centre, and the premier said the $200 million plan would see career and volunteer firefighters treated equally. He said the restructure was dictated by “common sense”.

Despite a litany of reviews failing to recommend the model chosen by a secretive Andrews Government Cabinet subcommittee, the premier said they all had “elements” of his plan.

Many volunteer firefighters were stunned, and said there could be an exodus from Victoria’s 35 integrated stations — despite the premier’s promise they could stay.

Clematis CFA volunteer firefighter of 25 years, Shane Miller, said “to have two separate organisations in the same station makes no sense” because “CFA and MFB work on different radio frequencies, they’re different organisations, different training”.

Ferny Creek CFA captain John Schurink, who was sacked from the CFA board last year over his opposition to the EBA, raised concerns about surge capacity.

“I actually thought the low point was 12 months ago when I got sacked as a board member, but today we have reached a new low,” he said.

Opposition Leader Matthew Guy blasted Mr Andrews for “political payback, rather than doing what is right for CFA volunteers and all Victorians”.

State Opposition Leader Matthew Guy flanked by CFA volunteers at Chandler Reserve on Friday. Picture: Hamish Blair

Emergency Management Commissioner Craig Lapsley tried to hose down angst, saying little should change in the way crews respond to fires.

The government is confident the Greens and two crossbench MPs will support new laws in the upper house.

Emergency Services Minister James Merlino said the money for the changeover would come from the total emergency services budget of $1.1 billion a year.

Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner, Kristen Hilton, said the premier must take heed of a soon-to-be-released fire services review.

Mr Andrews refused to commit to part-time work for firefighters to boost diversity, and when asked whether his plans gave more power to the UFU, said: “not at all”.

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