Metropolitan Fire Brigade chief officer Peter Rau quits
UPDATE: MFB chief officer Peter Rau quit because he’s ‘gravely ill’, not due to the ongoing industrial battle with the UFU, Police Minister Lisa Neville says.
VIC News
Don't miss out on the headlines from VIC News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
METROPOLITAN Fire Brigade chief officer Peter Rau has quit as he battles an ongoing health problem linked to his time at the CFA’s contaminated Fiskville training site.
Mr Rau has been on indefinite sick leave for several weeks before announcing his decision to resign today.
It is believed he is suffering from a disease which can be traced back to his stint at Fiskville from 2005 to 2008.
MFB chief executive Jim Higgins told staff this morning that Mr Rau would finish on October 6 “due to medical reasons”.
“As many of you know, Peter has been on sick leave for some time and he has taken the advice of his doctors to focus on his health,” Mr Higgins said.
The MFB had previously told a parliamentary inquiry that Mr Rau’s illness may be linked to his time at the CFA training site.
Mr Rau was also in the middle of an industrial battle with the United Firefighters Union.
Police Minister Lisa Neville said Mr Rau’s resignation had nothing to do with the ongoing industrial dispute.
“Peter unfortunately is gravely ill, he has been on sick leave as a result of that illness,” Ms Neville said.
“It is a terrible situation and is a consequence of his work and his dedication to the MFB and the fire services for the last 30 years.”
“My thoughts are with him and his family.”
Ms Neville paid tribute to Mr Rau’s work as chief fire officer and said he would be “hard to replace” for the MFB.
The Herald Sun revealed last month that Mr Rau had written to Emergency Services Minister, warning that veto provisions in the proposed CFA agreement would “exacerbate” the failings of the current MFB agreement, which he said was “unworkable” and could undermine community safety.
He also warned that the MFB’s capacity to respond to acts of terror could be compromised.
Mr Merlino said that was “alarmist, irresponsible and reckless” but that Mr Rau had his backing.
Paul Stacchino has been acting chief fire officer while Mr Rau has been on sick leave.
Mr Higgins this morning praised Mr Rau for his “dedication, leadership and hard work” as chief officer”.
“I would like to thank Peter for his service and wish him all the best in health and life,” Mr Higgins said.
He said his major achievements included establishing the Victorian Emergency Management Training Centre in Craigieburn, and leading the MFB’s response to poor building standards in the wake of the Lacrosse apartment fire in the Docklands.
“Peter was also a passionate and effective advocate for firefighter and community safety at a state and national level,” Mr Higgins.
She said Mr Stacchino would continue to serve as acting chief fire officer until the MFB decided on Mr Rau’s permanent replacement.
Opposition emergency services spokesman Brad Battin also thanked Mr Rau for his service.
“Peter Rau has been a tireless contributor and has dedicated himself to keeping Victorians safe,” Mr Battin said.
“There are few more important jobs than working in our fire services and Peter has an incredible record of commitment.”
“I would like to thank Peter for his selfless service and wish him and his family the very best.”
Twitter:@tminear