Firefighters’ union boss secretly quizzed in IBAC probe

United Firefighters Union boss Peter Marshall was grilled in special secret hearings during the IBAC investigation into his dealings with the Andrews government.

United Firefighters Union boss Peter Marshall was given a “Star Chamber’’ grilling by the state’s anti-corruption buster during its investigation into his dealings with the Andrews government.

It is understood the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission quizzed Mr Marshall in the special secret hearings. Witnesses are compelled to ­answer questions.

It came some time after the IBAC had collected devices, including a phone and computer.

United Firefighters Union chief Peter Marshall is one of the state’s most powerful and controversial union bosses. Picture: AAP

Its probe centres on claims of misconduct during dealings between the government and the UFU over an enterprise bargaining agreement and the controversial amalgamation of the state’s Metropolitan Fire Brigade and Country Fire Authority.

This week it emerged that Premier Daniel Andrews and key members of his staff were being investigated by the probe, which the Herald Sun revealed in 2019.

Mr Andrews has been forced to answer calls for his resignation, insisting he ‘’behaved appropriately at all times’’ and referring further questions to the IBAC.

Mr Marshall has engaged Slater & Gordon solicitor Mick Sayers to represent him, with the firm briefing top-notch ­industrial law barrister Warren Friend QC. Mr Friend said this week: “There is nothing I can say to you.’’

Premier, Daniel Andrews has been forced to answer calls for his resignation. Picture: Sarah Matray

Among the claims to surface was that Animal Justice Party MP Andy Meddick benefited from the UFU by way of a summer job for his son. He voted in favour of fire services reforms, but it has been argued he was always going to do so.

Several government officials including senior Labor MPs have been questioned by IBAC over Mr Marshall’s lobbying during the industrial ­relations argy-bargy to bring professional firefighters under one umbrella.

They are yet to be named.

Mr Marshall is one of the state’s most powerful and controversial union bosses.

Marshall has fostered a productive relationship with Lisa Neville.

At the height of the MFB-CFA amalgamation battle, he was the subject of a formal bullying complaint by the then emergency services minister Jane Garrett – who resigned from the cabinet in 2016 over the issue — in relation to texts he had sent her.

In April 2018, Mr Andrews was forced to deny there was a damning secret recording ­regarding government dealings with the UFU after Mr Marshall refused to rule it out.

Mr Marshall did not return repeated calls this week.

The IBAC’s long-awaited report on its findings are not believed to be imminent.

Originally published as Firefighters’ union boss secretly quizzed in IBAC probe