Former NSW Nationals MP Niall Blair to monitor Victorian fire reforms
Monitoring the success and costs of splitting the CFA and merging its career firefighters with the MFB will be the role of Victoria’s new Fire Services Implementation Monitor.
FORMER NSW Nationals MP and Agriculture Minister Niall Blair has been appointed by the Andrews Government to monitor its carve up of the CFA and formation of the new Fire Rescue Victoria service.
As Victoria’s new Fire Services Implementation Monitor Mr Blair will assess and review the progress of the CFA and FRV progress in delivering the government’s Year One Fire Services Reform Implementation Plan.
The Monitor will also assess the impact of the fire services reforms upon the financial sustainability of both agencies.
The Department of Justice’s most recent annual report shows the cost of running Victoria’s fire services has blown out by $222 million, to reach $1.25 billion in 2019-20.
“I am honoured to be appointed in this position and to have the opportunity to work closely with both those on the frontline and behind the scenes – all who work tirelessly every day to keep our communities safe,” Mr Blair said.
Mr Blair brings with him an extensive experience, having held a range of senior appointments in NSW Coalition Governments as Minister for Primary Industries, Regional Water, Trade and Industry.
He was also Parliamentary Secretary Police and Emergency Services.
He is currently the Professor of Food Sustainability at Charles Sturt University and has served as a retained firefighter in the NSW Rural Fire Services.
Victorian Emergency Services Minister Lisa Neville said Mr Blair’s extensive career in government and strong understanding of complex multi-agency environments would
help ensure the state’s fire services remained on track to successfully deliver the government’s fire services reforms.
“I congratulate Mr Blair on his appointment as Fire Services Implementation Monitor – this is an important step in making sure the reforms achieve positive and sustainable changes to our state’s fire services.”
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