Victorian Health Minister Jill Hennessy says ‘no division’ in Cabinet over CFA dispute

UPDATE: VOLUNTEER fire fighters have warned the Andrews Government risks leaving some of Victoria’s most vulnerable bush communities dangerously exposed if it continues it relentless union push.

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VOLUNTEER fire fighters have warned the Andrews Government risks leaving some of Victoria’s most vulnerable bush communities dangerously exposed if it continues it relentless union push.

CFA crew members from across Dandenong Ranges are numbered among the volunteers threatening to walk away for good.

Sassafras CFA veteran of more than 20 years, Sarah Krumins, wiped away tears as she vowed to quit.

“I don’t want to resign,” she said.

“I joined the brigade after the ‘97 fires because I was scared and all these volunteers are my family now.”

Opposition spokesman for police, Ed Odonohue, said he was also aware volunteers are now considering whether they will continue to serve.

As many as 12 had threatened to resign, he said.

A petition has also been set up on Facebook called: Daniel Andrews: You sign, WE resign.

Ms Garrett outside her home in Carlton. Picture: Ian Currie

Ms Garrett made no comment to waiting media before driving away. Picture: Ian Currie

The page, that has 156 likes, states a number of CFA Volunteers are willing to walk away from the CFA if Premier Daniel Andrews signs the UFU EBA Agreement.

“Nothing left to lose now”, a Broadford volunteer firefighter posted.

But she said if the EBA was sign, she would leave and scores of other volunteers would follow.

Opposition spokesman for emergency services Brad Battin said Mr Andrews and incoming minster James Merlino had lost touch with the communities that relied on CFA volunteers.

“We have heard from the new minister that this battle has ended, the dispute is finished but he is totally and utterly incorrect,” Mr Battin said.

“We are here with volunteers who are concerned who are upset.

“The reality is the men and women behind me protect their community because they love their community.

“If Daniel Andrews can’t see the passion and the care and consideration of (CFA volunteers) he needs his head read.

“He needs to look them in the eye and tell them he will support them going forward. Don’t put these men and women who have volunteered hundreds if not thousand of hours in a position where they would have to consider their future.

“Everybody agrees this EBA is unlawful and Daniel Andrews is bullying his way through to get the result he wants.”

Earlier, Victorian Health Minister Jill Hennessy said there was “no division whatsoever” in Cabinet after Jane Garrett resigned over the long running CFA dispute.

Minister Hennessy told media it was “absolutely critical” the dispute be resolved, at the Supercare Pharmacies announcement in Ascot Vale this morning.

“The cabinet is not divided. I attended a cabinet meeting yesterday which unanimously endorsed the proposition to resolve this long running dispute, so no division whatsoever,” she said.

Her comments come as Ms Garrett was snapped leaving her Carlton home ahead of the long weekend getaway with her family.

Ms Garrett did not make comment to the waiting media, while her husband packed the car and drove the family away.

Ms Hennessy said it was “sad” that Ms Garrett had left cabinet.

Jill Hennessy

“It’s always really a sad course of affairs when a minister leaves the cabinet,” she said.

“That must be an extraordinarily difficult issue for any person. I think people will feel really really sad about that. But we are a government that is focused of making sure this dispute gets resolved.”

When asked whether she supported the sacking of the CFA board, Ms Hennessy said: “I support the minister of emergency services taking steps to ensure we have a board in place that is committed to the resolution of this dispute.”

Ms Hennessy said removing the CFA board would allow for quicker dispute resolution, much like the removal of the board in the paramedics dispute.

“I have a lot of experience in long running disputes, I came to be the minister of ambulance services after a dispute with paramedics had gone for two and a half years,” she said.

“It became clear that in the course of these disputes, when they go on for so long that parties lose the ability find the points of compromise to resolve them.”

“In my experience with paramedics ... removing and replacing the board meant we were able to resolve the dispute and focus on rebuilding cooperative relations.”

“That’s what occurred with our paramedics ... I’ve got every confidence that’s what will occur with the CFA.”

She said some issues raised by CFA volunteers had already been significantly addressed by in the new proposition issued emergency services minister.

The Andrews government announced on Saturday it would set up a committee to improve the CFA’s performance and culture.

Called The Country Fire Authority Performance and Policy Consultative Committee, it aims to increase recruitment of women firefighters and improve the health and wellbeing of members.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Emergency Services James Merlino said: “It’s clear there needs to be a fundamental culture shift in the CFA — and this is a real opportunity to address those challenges facing our state’s emergency services”.

“A new board and new consultative committee will bring together volunteer and career firefighters, management and the Government to build a better culture and ultimately provide safety and certainty for all Victorians,” he said.

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