Victorians at risk this summer if new CFA workplace deal is rushed through, say volunteer firefighters

VOLUNTEER firefighters believe Victorians could face greater risks this summer if a government-backed CFA workplace deal is rushed through.

The CFA is concerned it would struggle due to a proposed union “veto” power. Picture: Hamish Blair

VOLUNTEER firefighters have told a state parliamentary inquiry that Victorians could face greater risks this summer if a government-backed CFA workplace deal is rammed through.

Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria chief executive Andrew Ford told the fire season preparedness inquiry that a CFA chief officer would struggle to execute responsibilities under law if the draft Enterprise Agreement was adopted, because of a proposed union “veto” power.

This is a provision that would require the CFA to get the consent of the union before making key operational decisions.

Premier Daniel Andrews is supporting the draft deal, which the union has also warmly embraced.

Mr Ford said there were fire seasons in the past where lives were lost and proposed changes could see the potential for “more life or more property” to be at risk.

“Certainly the state’s fire system preparedness and response capability could be diminished,” he told the inquiry.

VFBV executive officer Adam Barnett told the inquiry the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission examined lines of command and “who was in charge” during the 2009 tragedy.

Mr Barnett said a workplace agreement that diminished the ability for a chief officer to make decisions could see further problems in that area.

Labor MP Harriet Shing interjected repeatedly to ensure Mr Ford and Mr Barnett said “proposed” when referring to the enterprise agreement that has been rubber-stamped by the Andrews Government but not yet adopted by the CFA board.

Ms Shing challenged Mr Ford to explain why he thought consultation around the draft EA has been inadequate.

Mr Ford said he did not believe the new board, which was installed after the previous members were sacked by the government, had time to contemplate key clauses and discuss them with volunteers and other groups.

The industrial relations crisis has also claimed the scalps of former emergency services minister Jane Garrett, CFA chief executive Lucinda Nolan, and CFA chief officer Joe Buffone.

The parliamentary inquiry was also due to hear from the United Firefighters’ Union, but was told on Monday afternoon that state secretary Peter Marshall was unwell and would not attend.

It is expected the parliamentary committee will recall the union at a later date.