Working together to build CFA 2.0
By Adam Barnett, VFBV Chief Executive Officer
July 1 should have been a date we celebrated the rise of two proud and strong Victorian fire services. CFA volunteers were promised a strong and independent service, free from industrial interference that would be well resourced and supported. We were promised a fresh and renewed focus on respecting, consulting, and supporting community embedded volunteers.
Instead, many of our volunteers and staff are still in shock and trying to work through last minute bombshells dropped on us on the eve of implementation while dealing with poor implementation and chaotic change management. If this wasn’t bad enough, we now grieve yet another CFA CEO and Chief Officer cast aside at the last minute during a critical time and juncture.
Amongst the “reform” causalities so far; Minister Jane Garrett (quit); CFA CEO and ex deputy police Commissioner Lucinda Nolan (quit); the entire CFA Board (sacked); CFA Chief Officer Joe Buffone PSM (quit); MFB Chief Officer Peter Rau (quit); MFB CEO Jim Higgins (quit); MFB A/Chief Officer (quit); MFB Board Chair Andi Diamond (quit); CFA CEO Dr Paul Smith (quit); MFB Chief Officer Dan Stephens (quit); and CFA CEO/Chief Officer Steven Warrington AFSM quits.
All well credentialed, all with distinguished careers, all committed to serving the Victorian public, and all who have made a heavy sacrifice to honour their duty to Victorians.
Does this not signal that something is terribly, terribly wrong with these arrangements?
I despair that the institutions designed to protect us and provide checks and balances are failing us. For how can so much turmoil and angst not have been the focus of independent inquiry, overview or investigation by now? Perhaps it is and we just need to be patient. My plea to those of you feeling disheartened is to hang in there. History tells us that there is always a time of reckoning. VFBV will continue to pursue all means for full accountability to those that we believe have overseen what can only be described as a train wreck of failed policy and change management, appalling conflicts of interest and behaviours that in our view constitute serious improper conduct.
CEO/Chief Officer Steve Warrington AFSM
Steve was a veteran CFA officer, serving 42 years after joining CFA as a volunteer in 1978. Steve was a passionate leader and firmly believed he could carve out a strong, independent and autonomous CFA from these reforms. I admired his optimism and drive to try and get the best outcomes from the mess presented to us by Parliament. Sadly, I also witnessed the immense pressure and stress that was put on him, and the humiliating broken promises and commitments that were ripped away in what can only be described as farcical and inequitable governance structures with poor oversight void of any integrity or transparency. Nobody should underestimate the personal and emotional toll these arrangements were taking on him, our sectors senior leaders and those around them.
And while Steve’s term was not without controversy, I can say that I respect his decision to resign rather than be forced to sign documents he knew to be damaging and potentially unlawful. He put the organisation’s needs, his statutory obligations and those of the Victorian public above his own. His final act epitomised his love for the organisation and its people. He would not betray his CFA nor its volunteers and staff. And while we will each remember Steve in our own way and from different viewpoints, I urge you to reflect on the courage and resolve it took to stand up and say no.
Thank you Steve and thank you for believing in CFA and the wonderful work we all do in keeping our communities safe.
Disingenuous Consultation
I have heard from many CFA volunteers who are furious that 90 minute meetings held back in February and March have been referred to by the Minister in Parliament as evidence of “substantial engagement” with volunteers on its reforms.
The claim that 54 workshops involving over 1,330 volunteers represented genuine engagement is one of the more appalling misrepresentations I have heard.
To be clear – CFA ran these engagement sessions – not government. They were a question and answer forum to provide volunteers an opportunity to ask CFA’s reform team questions and try and seek some clarity on future arrangements. Volunteers walked away with more questions than answers, with most questions unable to be answered.
And let us not forget each group was promised rigorous follow-up, and further sessions in the future to address outstanding questions and actions. This did not occur.
Let us list some of the topics that were not subject to any answers or discussion at those sessions: the FRV/CFA secondment agreement; changes to CFA RDO model; the removal of 171 administrative support staff from CFA; joint operating procedures; the rumoured 50% budget cut to CFA’s base funding; and a tenancy agreement for volunteers at co-located locations.
It is incredibly important that we call out these blatant mistruths and reject this spin. Volunteer consultation is too important to allow it to be treated with such disrespect. I urge any member who attended one of these sessions to get in touch with your local MP, and let them know what you think about these activities being used to spin that volunteers were genuinely consulted on these matters in any meaningful way.
$126 Million Package
In one of the more cynical episodes of this whole sorry saga was the recent announcement of an additional $126 million package for the CFA. Sent through the CFA email system just hours after the public announcement of Steve Warrington’s sudden resignation and refusal to sign the governments secondment agreement - this hastily written communique was seen by many for exactly what it was.
Most disappointingly, VFBV spent months last year working in good faith with government on a suite of initiatives designed to support CFA volunteers. We asked that these initiatives be announced independent of any bad news story – as has repeatedly occurred. We argued that the continual use of cheque book diplomacy immediately following any negative story or event was deeply insulting and undermining volunteers trust in the government, and we urged them to reposition vital support for CFA volunteers as positive initiatives– not something to be done to simply try and quell volunteer dissatisfaction and outrage after announcing a terrible decision.
So, what’s in this package? We requested the upskilling of volunteer trainers and assessors and additional resources to improve the availability and accessibility of training programs, money for research into new respiratory protection options for firefighters involved in grassland or wildfire scenarios where breathing apparatus is not appropriate; an additional allocation of a full set of bushfire PPC ensemble for every operational volunteer so that they can have access to their personal protection clothing when their other set is away for cleaning; sustainable and long-term investment in capital funding for stations and fleet replacement to address the ageing infrastructure and ageing truck fleet; and we argued for additional investment in leadership training including mental first aid to support volunteer leaders be able to support members mental wellbeing.
And while I am disgusted that this hard work would be trotted out to try and divert attention from the Chief Officer’s sudden resignation and the government’s latest disaster, these are nonetheless critically important investments that will benefit CFA volunteers and are welcomed.
I want to thank all our working parties, joint committee’s and VFBV delegates that helped us advocate and assist with the development of business cases for these initiatives. Thank you and well done.
Farewell
I want to acknowledge the terrible pain and anguish many of our administrative and operational staff have experienced also. Rushed and last-minute position reviews with little to no consultation has deeply impacted the very people on whom we rely. To those leaving for FRV we wish you all the best and thank you most sincerely for your service. For those staying or returning to CFA we say thank you and extend our deep gratitude and respect for the critically important work you will continue to do alongside us.
New CEO and Chief
I take this opportunity to welcome CFA’s new acting Chief Executive Ms Catherine Greaves and the new acting Chief Officer Mr Garry Cook. Both have been appointed for a 3-month term and will lead CFA through the next stages of reform.
And while both will have to work hard to earn the trust and respect of CFA’s 55,000 strong volunteers and staff, we must work hard to unite and support the people who will be tasked in carving out CFA’s place in the new reform world.
We need to walk the next steps purposefully, decisively and together. I know many of you will be distrustful and cynical. You have every right to feel that way.
BUT – for those intent on inflicting the chaos and harm and trying to undermine community led emergency management volunteering – they would like nothing better than to have us turn on each other or throw in the towel.
But they are underestimating you and the support we have in our communities. We are not fair-weather friends. We have been up against far worse. We face ferocious fires and the worst that mother nature can throw at us. We are used to overcoming impossible odds.
We must continue the journey, embrace the opportunities, minimise the harm and do what we can to build and secure CFA 2.0.
Sadly, this government has demonstrated it cannot be trusted. And while we have worked incredibly hard to provide a different way – we must now accept and adapt to the new environment put before us. The VFBV Board has determined that as a result of the government’s failure to embrace the opportunity so generously extended by volunteers to work cooperatively and collaboratively on its reform journey - we will now pursue change through public advocacy.
We will have to work together to secure the vibrant and independent community fire service our state deserves.
I invite you to engage with your local VFBV District Councils as we pursue positive initiatives that seek to restore CFA to an organisation that respects it volunteers, trusts its volunteers and supports and empowers them to partner and deliver its vital services to our communities. We will work hand in glove with our staff to celebrate, respect and empower community focussed and driven outcomes.
For a start – lets work on restoring the volunteer chain of command; restore and strengthen the role of groups; share our operational knowledge and experience through volunteer led exercise and TEWT’s; and empower volunteer leaders to manage and embrace new technologies, systems and processes that will modernise our service. In short – let us respect and embrace our past to help guide and cement our future. As history has so aptly demonstrated - when volunteers work together – there is no limit to the possibilities. CFA volunteers are drawn from every community that we serve. That is our strength. And from those communities comes greatness. Let us work together to build CFA 2.0!
Vale
VFBV was saddened to learn of the passing of great friend and life member Bill Pressey AFSM on 30 June.
Bill was a former VUFBA Executive member, former President of VFBV District Council 5, member of Urban Competitions and Rules Committee and often officiated at State Championships and local competitions.
He was a recipient of the VFBV Gold Star in 2008 and was a made a VFBV life member in 2010. We send our thoughts, prayers and sympathy to Malcolm and Carolyn Bishop, family, friends and loved ones. We also extend our thoughts to members of Mortlake Fire Brigade. Bill will be sorely missed.
Dual Motions
The VFBV Board and State Council have passed dual motions condemning the poor implementation and change management process of Victoria’s Fire Service Reforms.
Both bodies have also passed a motion that as signatories to the Volunteer Charter, the Victorian Government and CFA have breached their obligations to VFBV and CFA volunteers under the Volunteer Charter.
Both motions were unanimous and both issues will be formally raised with the fire services implementation monitor.
Tenancy Agreement
VFBV’s request for an extension in negotiating a tenancy agreement for CFA/FRV co-located stations has been agreed, with ‘status quo’ arrangements preserved until 15 August.
VFBV raised the concerns of CFA volunteers who were only shown a draft tenancy agreement just one week prior to the intended start date. Members are encouraged to continue sending feedback on the draft agreement to help inform ongoing discussions.
COVID-19 Updates
The VFBV COVID-19 resources page has been updated to reflect the new Stage 3 restrictions in metro Melbourne and Mitchel Shire. This page also lists current CFA updates, Ops bulletins and guidance notes to assist you track what has been sent and when.
The information can be viewed here and this page deals with brigades/groups directly impacted by the Metro Melbourne and Mitchell Shire Stage 3 restrictions.
VFBV Stands in solidarity with Trafalgar & Westbury Brigades
VFBV is encouraging members to support the Trafalgar and Westbury brigades, and are asking you to please request your local MP NOT to support Part 6 of the “Police and Emergency Legislation Amendment Bill 2020”.
As previously advised on the 4th June, the Government introduced an Amendment Bill into Parliament to amend their FRV boundaries. These amendments are being made through the “Police and Emergency Legislation Amendment Bill 2020” and are covered in Part 6 of that bill. (Page 15).
Both Trafalgar and Westbury Fire Brigades have requested VFBV assistance in opposing proposed changes contained in this amendment that will have significant impacts on their Brigades.
Despite government promises and assurances that its Fire Services reforms would not impact on any other brigades, both Trafalgar and Westbury have been shocked to discover that instead of simply respecting the existing primary area of the Moe brigade when staff were appointed, this last minute amendment proposes to significantly expand the primary FRV area.
VFBV stands in full support and solidarity with both these brigades, and a copy of our correspondence to Members of Parliament requesting Parliamentarians oppose the amendments proposed to the FRV Latrobe West boundary in so far as it impacts on Trafalgar and Westbury Fire Brigades is available on our website.
For full details and background please visit the VFBV website.
How to contact your MP
If you wish to contact your local MP to show your support for CFA volunteers, contact details including email addresses, postal addresses and phone numbers for all Members of Parliament can be found on the Parliament of Victoria's website. Visit our website for links.
Breathing Apparatus
ID numbers
The State PPC&E Management Centre has been experiencing some significant issues regarding breathing apparatus from annual maintenance and/or fault replacement. The new MSA breathing apparatus are paired using RFID technology and this pairing is critical when completing the annual service on the MSA test apparatus.
To assist with this pairing at a local level the State PPC&E Management Centre has placed a CFA identification number on both the backplate and the mask (as pictured below). Brigades are requested to ensure that when returning any breathing apparatus sets to the State PPC&E Management Centre that the backplate and mask ID numbers match.
Red Tote Bins and Yellow Cylinder Cases
During the rollout of the Respiratory Protection Replacement Project (RPRP) the State PPC&E Management Centre utilised a number of red tote bins and yellow cylinder transport cases (pictured below) separate from the standard red cylinder cases allocated to brigades. If any brigades still have any red tote bins or yellow cylinder transport cases in their stations the State PPC&E Management Centre is requesting that they are returned via normal Toll freight processes.
CFA $126 Million Package Announcement
As referenced in this months editorial, the Minister for Emergency Services announced a new $126 Million package for the CFA to go towards critical training and equipment.
VFBV welcomes these critically important investments that will benefit CFA volunteers.
The package addresses VFBV requests for the: upskilling of volunteer trainers and assessors and additional resources to improve the availability and accessibility of training programs; money for research into new respiratory protection options for firefighters involved in grassland or wildfire scenarios where breathing apparatus is not appropriate; an additional allocation of a full set of bushfire PPC ensemble for every operational volunteer so that they can have access to their personal protection clothing when their other set is away for cleaning; 50 new fire trucks; 16 station upgrades; and investment in leadership training including mental first aid to support volunteer leaders be able to support members mental wellbeing.
While disappointed very little detail was provided and this announcement was only made shortly after Chief Officer Steven Warrington's AFSM resignation was announced by the CFA Board – VFBV worked hard with CFA, EMV and the Government to scope, advocate and assist with the development of business cases for these initiatives. Thank-you to all our working parties, joint committee’s and VFBV delegates that assisted with this process.
A copy of the Ministers message can be located on the VFBV website.
VFBV will continue to monitor these commitments and keep members apprised of progress and detail on these initiatives as they occur. We will also monitor new funding vs existing funding movement, including changes to CFA base budget post reform outcomes.
Victorian Opposition CFA Policy Announcement
VFBV has welcomed the Victorian Oppositions CFA policy announcement of a commitment to restore CFA’s independence and autonomy within the first 100 days of taking office. The opposition has also made a commitment to genuinely consult with VFBV and CFA volunteers to identify the essential powers, people and resources needed to rebuild and restore the CFA’s independence and standing.
VFBV CEO has described these commitments as constructive reforms that strengthen and support our firefighters and truly modernise our fire services and allows each to flourish and thrive.
“The whole team including Mr O’Brien, leader of the Liberal Party, Mr Peter Walsh, leader of the Nationals, and Mr Nick Wakeling Shadow Minister for Emergency Services should all be congratulated on their announced CFA policy which includes strengthening the CFA Volunteer Charter and the formation of an independent Volunteer Ombudsman/Commissioner - all initiatives which VFBV has long campaigned for.”
VFBV is pursuing positive and constructive policy that takes us away from the destructive and chaotic changes that have recently been forced upon us and have sidelined, ignored and taken for granted the selfless firefighters upon whom this State relies. VFBV is calling on all Victorian political parties to unite on this issue and throw their support behind these initiates.
VFBV response to the policy announcement can be found here.
VFBV Board Vacancies
Recent articles on the VFBV website
CFA update: COVID-19 Stage 3 Restrictions for Metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire.
VFBV welcomes opposition CFA policy announcement.
VFBV stands in solidarity with Trafalgar and Westbury Fire Brigades.
CFA package announced by Government.
