Firefighters union bold move for more power and unprecedented control

Victoria’s fire union are lobbying to create a new fire registration board, which would give the militant group even more power and unprecedented control over the state’s firefighters.

Firefighters on scene at a large industrial fire in Melbourne. Picture: David Crosling

Victoria’s militant fire union has made a bold move for even more power and unprecedented control over the state’s firefighters.

The United Firefighters Union is lobbying to create a new fire registration board which would have complete control over who Fire Rescue Victoria can employ as operational members.

Draft documents presented to FRV’s consultative committee, leaked to the Herald Sun, show a new not-for-profit company founded by UFU president David Hamilton would control the board.

Under the plan Fire Rescue Victoria would be required to pay an annual fee of $180 to register every firefighter, providing a revenue to the company of an estimated $650,000 annually.

Fire fighters put up placards and flags for the UFU. Picture: Russell Millard

“This company, if supported would have the absolute power to refuse the membership of any individual without a specified justification at any time which would effectively terminate their employment,” one source familiar with the plan said. “This will be used as an mechanism to prevent operational members speaking out against the UFU going forward.

“It is likely that several operational members will not get approved by this company due to speaking out against the UFU previously.

“This is a stealth funding mechanism designed to siphon funds into the UFU as well as a control mechanism to prevent and members from not supporting the UFU executive.”

Opposition emergency services spokesman Brad Battin slammed the proposal.

“This is not a plan for protecting Victorians during a dangerous fire season, it is to allow UFU secretary Peter Marshall to pick and choose his mates to become firefighter’s in Victoria,” he said.

“Again we see community safety put second as Daniel Andrews continues to hand power to the United Firefighters Union management.”

A firefighter at a large industrial fire in Melbourne. Picture: David Crosling

A government spokesman said “no such proposal has been put to government for review”.

Questions to the UFU were ignored, but prompted an angry salvo to members warning them against speaking to the media. The union bulletin, authorised by union leader Peter Marshall, said continued leaks to media risked destabilising the union and ongoing negotiations.

“All UFU members should be aware that collusion with hostile, external organisations that ultimately wish to see a weakened union … is contrary to the policy and direction of this union.”