Inquiry to scrutinise Bill to split Victoria’s fire services

THE Andrews Government is being accused of flooding a panel looking into the controversial Bill to split Victoria’s fire services with paid firefighters’ submissions.

AN INQUIRY into the controversial Bill to split Victoria’s fire services will kick off today, as the Andrews Government is being accused of flooding the panel with paid firefighters’ submissions.

Eight Upper House MPs will begin the hearings in Melbourne this morning, only days after the secretary of the Department of Premier and Cabinet, Chris Eccles, issued an urgent call for paid firefighters to hand over submissions directly.

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Department of Premier and Cabinet secretary Chris Eccles.

The move sidesteps rules that stop public servants from participating in inquiries on their employer, opening the door for career firefighters from the MFB and CFA to participate.

Mr Eccles’ offer to accept firefighters’ views directly, came after United Firefighters Union boss Peter Marshall hit out at the MFB’s reminder to employees they must abide by the code of conduct.

Opposition emergency services spokesman Brad Battin said the move “looks like Daniel Andrews’ department is rigging the process by flooding the committee with submissions to break up the CFA’’.

“The Labor Government’s attempt to stack out the witness statements shows there is no line the Premier won’t cross when it comes to bullying and intimidating to get his way.”

Government spokesman Matt Dixon said arrangements had to be put in place to ensure paid firefighters would be heard.

“Any submission made by a paid firefighter will be unaltered and provided in full,’’ he said.

“We want all firefighters, both paid and volunteers, to take part in the select committee and provide clear and honest submissions.”

A Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria spokesman said everyone should be able to have their say, but the involvement of DPC was “odd and probably not appropriate”.

Opposition emergency services spokesman Brad Battin. Picture: Hamish Blair

Last month, the Victorian Government failed to get the numbers to pass the Bill in the Legislative Council with crossbenchers split in their support, prompting the inquiry.

Victorian Upper House MP Rachel Carling-Jenkins, who emerged as the tie-breaker on the Bill, said the hearings would sway her vote.

The UFU urged employees to put their views forward through the committee or the department.

Chief executives of the CFA and MFB wrote to staff earlier this week reminding them of the rules and informing them of DPC’s plan.

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