Top fire boss quits CFA amid fire services merger controversy

CFA deputy chief officer Stephanie Rotarangi has quit amid fallout over the state’s controversial fire services merger.

Another top fire boss has quit in the fallout of the state’s controversial fire services merger.

CFA deputy chief officer Stephanie Rotarangi will leave on December 31 and will return to her native New Zealand to take up a CEO role with a local council.

Her resignation follows the sudden departure of former CFA chief Steve Warrington just days ahead of the reform that saw CFA’s career staff merged with the MFB to form a new service — Fire Rescue Victoria — on July 1.

Mr Warrington’s resignation followed tense negotiations with the state government.

Dr Rotarangi, who joined the CFA in 2018, took leave at the same time with sources telling the Herald Sun pair the refused to sign off on a ministerial direction regarding the fire service change.

Victoria’s chief fire officer Stephanie Rotarangi.

She never returned to the service and was subsequently seconded to Emergency Management Victoria as a deputy commissioner.

Sources close to Dr Rotarangi said the move was prompted purely for family reasons.

“She wanted to stay on but has a family reason to go home. It has nothing to do the fire reform,” they said.

In a farewell to volunteers and staff Ms Rotarangi said it had been an “enormous privilege” to serve in the CFA.

“For me, the response to the 2019/20 fire season exemplified CFA’s strength and commitment to our communities,” she said.

“Our volunteers and staff not only protected Victorians and our beautiful environment, but our neighbours with significant deployments to NSW, ACT and Queensland.

“That commitment to community has endured throughout our response to Covid-19 as we all adjusted our service delivery and supported each other personally and professionally.”

Dr Rotarangi also acknowledged the “incredible work” of the CFA but made no reference to Victoria’s new fire service in her farewell.

“I will sincerely miss CFA and the many great people who work and volunteer with the organisation,” she said.

Dr Rotarangi will take up the role of Chief Executive for Napier City Council, a coastal city on New Zealand’s North Island.

Former CFA chief officer Steve Warrington. Picture: AAP

In a statement, mayor Kirsten Wise said she was thrilled with the appointment despite Dr Rotarangi’s lack of direct local government experience.

Dr Rotarangi and her husband, who have three children, lived in Napier while young graduates.

Opposition Emergency Services spokesman Nick Wakeling said Dr Rotarangi’s departure was “just the latest casualty in Daniel Andrews’ war on the CFA.”

“This latest departure is yet another example of the toxic culture that Daniel Andrews has allowed to fester in Victoria’s fire services,” he said.

“Our fire services have lost centuries of experience under Labor, losing the knowledge and experience needed to keep Victorians safe.”

Police and emergency services minister Lisa Neville praised Dr Rotarangi’s “invaluable contribution”.

“While we had hoped to see her continue in her role with EMV she and her family have decided to return home to New Zealand for a new opportunity,” she said.

“I cannot thank DCO Rotarangi enough for her leadership, dedication and counsel during her time here in Victoria - and I wish her well for the future in New Zealand.”

Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria chief Adam Barnett said the resignation was a huge loss to the CFA.

“Over the years I developed a strong respect for Steph’s considerable expertise and knowledge and her commitment and dedication to community safety,” he said.

“Her passion, empathy and positivity along with a commitment to find resolution and build local capacity and capability in partnership with local communities was a standout – as was her wicked sense of humour. H

“Her commitment to volunteers and their communities was paramount and her work and dedication in trying to improve how volunteers are treated and consulted within CFA cemented my respect, and admiration for her.”

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