Melbourne’s chief firefighter Dan Stephens quits top job

MFB chief Dan Stephens has quit a year into a five-year contract, continuing the ongoing turmoil in the senior ranks of the state’s fire services.

Melbourne’s chief firefighter has quit after a year in the job, continuing the ongoing turmoil in the senior ranks of the state’s fire services.

The Herald Sun revealed last month that MFB chief officer Dan Stephens had gone on indefinite leave after the state government refused to back him to lead the new Fire Rescue Victoria agency.

It is understood he has since been in negotiations with the government over his departure, and that his resignation was finalised today.

MFB’s Board President Jasmine Doak confirmed the resignation.

“Dan Stephens has tendered his resignation as Chief Officer of MFB, effective today,” she said.

“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Dan for his leadership, strong direction, and service to MFB and the people of Victoria.

“I know that Dan held our MFB people in the very highest regard and was proud to lead MFB in our work serving the Victorian community. Dan brought stability and focus to the organisation during a crucial period and we are now well positioned to move forwards towards FRV. We wish Dan all the very best in his future endeavours.”

Mr Stephens moved to Australia from the UK last year, signing a five-year contract after he was identified as the top candidate to lead the MFB in an international search.

MFB chief Dan Stephens. Picture: Aaron Francis (The Australian)

It was expected that he would take the reins of Fire Rescue Victoria once the new agency was set up.

But after the government’s controversial fire services reforms passed last month, Emergency Services Minister Lisa Neville declined to support him to take the top job.

Premier Daniel Andrews was later unable to say if Mr Stephens would return to work but that he “has a contract to do just that”.

He said the government would go through “a proper process” to choose the new FRV chief before the agency starts its work next year, employing all career firefighters from the MFB and CFA.

It is understood Mr Stephens had a difficult relationship with United Firefighters Union boss Peter Marshall, which contributed to his decision to walk away.

When Mr Stephens was first appointed, Mr Marshall accused Premier Daniel Andrews of “breaking promises” over what he said was an appointment of a union buster.

Taxpayers will likely have to foot a substantial payout for Mr Stephens, who is the latest in a long line of fire services leaders to depart during years of bitter industrial and political disputes.

Ms Doak said Deputy Chief Officer Greg Leach had been appointed interim Chief Officer and CEO “until MFB people and operations transfer across to the new FRV organisation.”

“I extend my thanks on behalf of the Board to Greg for continuing to show great dedication and leadership for MFB,” she said.

“It remains business as usual for us – and I know that the people of Victoria can rely on our firefighters, corporate and workshop staff to provide them with the very best fire and rescue services.

“As always, I am immensely proud to lead MFB and I thank you for your continuing service and commitment.”

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Opposition emergency services spokesman Brad Battin said Mr Stephens’s departure was “a huge loss to Victoria’s fire services”.

“Mr Stephens was employed for his skills in change management, he wanted to improve the toxic culture in the fire services that has seen chiefs, CEOs, boards, and even a minister forced out since Daniel Andrews became Premier,” Mr Battin said.

“He could never achieve the goal of improving the culture as the government owes too much to UFU secretary Peter Marshall who it would appear had wanted Mr Stephens gone for months.”

“Mr Stephens was targeted by the United Firefighters Union even prior to his arrival to Victoria.”

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