Fireys demand review of reforms after CFA chief Steve Warrington’s resignation
Volunteer firefighters want a formal investigation into the reform of the state’s fire services after Steve Warrington resigned from his position as chief officer of the CFA.
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Volunteer firefighters have called for a formal investigation following the resignation of CFA chief officer Steve Warrington.
The resignation this week came just days out from a controversial reform of state’s fire services that will see CFA’s career staff merged with the MFB to form a new service — Fire Rescue Victoria.
The move leaves the CFA without any leadership ahead of the drastic overhaul on July 1.
The Herald Sun has been told Mr Warrington’s resignation came after he refused to buckle to pressure to sign a legal instrument needed for the secondment of staff from Fire Rescue Victoria.
Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria chief Adam Barnett said a formal investigation was needed into the toxic environment around the reform negotiations.
It is understood Mr Warrington had consistently expressed concern about the secondment element of the restructure, given that scores of paid staff would be in senior roles in the CFA but would not have to comply with his directions, instead reporting back to FRV.
CFA colleagues were devastated by his departure, with one insider saying that he had led the way on selling the benefits of the reforms to sometimes “hostile” volunteers, and that he had publicly supported the government despite his reservations.
“He did everything they could have asked,” the source said.
The Herald Sun understands that prior to his resignation, Mr Warrington had told colleagues they needed to “get on the bus or get hit by the bus” before the overhaul.
Volunteers fear the reforms will turn the CFA into a “second class service”, expose them to union interference and could cause dysfunction between the groups that could prove fatal in emergency situations.
A CFA insider said the government now faced an almost impossible task to find a new chief officer who could unite the volunteers.
Emergency Volunteer Awareness Campaign director Garth Head backed calls for an independent inquiry.
He said any inquiry should include the role of emergency services minister Lisa Neville and should delay next week’s overhaul.
“It is more of the same inappropriate political and industrial interference in our fire services that puts community safety at risk that has been a feature of the Victorian government over the last few years,” Mr Head said.
“These actions are a violation of Labor Platform and traditions regarding fire and emergency services and public safety.
“The Victorian government needs to reconsider its direction and actions.
“The kick-off of Fire Rescue Victoria and its damaging effects on CFA and community safety needs must be suspended in the face of an independent, expert and transparent inquiry,” he said.
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