Deputy Premier James Merlino stands by the Government’s handling of the controversial CFA EBA

DEPUTY Premier James Merlino has declared the government is “almost” on the way to a deal on firefighters pay despite yesterday’s crisis talks, in an awkward radio interview.

James Merlino

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DEPUTY Premier James Merlino has declared the government is “almost” on the way to a deal on firefighters pay despite yesterday’s crisis talks, in an awkward radio interview.

Mr Merlino is standing by the Government’s handling of the controversial CFA EBA, describing the proposed changes as “fair and balanced”.

Despite hundreds of CFA firefighters rallying at Parliament over the weekend, and UFU members protesting today, Mr Merlino says progress is being made and “we’re basically nine tenths of the way there”.

But an uncomfortable radio interview with 3AW this morning showed the continuing confusion behind the scenes as a quick resolution to the crisis is sought.

Mr Merlino told Neil Mitchell the government was “almost” on the way to a deal despite the Government being in crisis talks yesterday afternoon.

Melbourne.United Firefighters Union secretary Peter Marshall addresses firefighters outside Parliament House. Picture: Tim Carrafa

Firefighters rally on the steps of Parliament House. Picture: Tim Carrafa

Mr Merlino also defended the Premier’s obvious lack of public appearances, saying he was busy working on the issue.

“Almost immediately after he got off the aeroplane from America he has been sitting down with the two main ministers, Jane Garrett emergency services and Natalie Hutchins in IR working through these issues.

“We have made some progress both last week and particularly in the last 24 hours with the Premier.”

“We have endorsed the way forward and the way forward is the recommendations that have come out of the Fair Work Commission, we absolutely acknowledge and understand the concerns that have been raised by volunteers.”

Mr Merlino defended the recommendations laid out by the Fair Work Commission that have outrage across the state by proposing more power is handed to the UFU.

“The recommendations from (Fair Work), the independent umpire, I think are fair and balanced but I also understand, and this is close to my heart because I represent the Dandenong Ranges, one of the most high fire risk areas in the world, I want an outcome that is fair and respectful, that doesn’t impact on volunteers,” he said.

“My message to the CFA board and all the volunteers that are listening is that we want a fair and respectful outcome, and an EBA that doesn’t impact on our volunteers.”

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