James Merlino has been asked to finally mend the rift between career and volunteer firefighters by solving the ongoing workplace agreement stoush.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Emergency Services Minister visited District 23 headquarters on Thursday during a trip to Wangaratta.
CFA operations officer Trevor Logan said the hour-long conversation did not uncover any solutions, but it was a positive to talk to the minister face-to-face.
He said division around the workplace agreement had created a rift between both types of firefighters, who were represented at the meeting.
“It’s going to be a long-term process to heal those relationships,” Mr Logan said.
“There’s a lot of angst on both sides, we just need to get this done.”
He said the strong feelings of career and volunteer firefighters were passed onto Mr Merlino.
But the minister remained confident the enterprise bargaining agreement would withstand Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria’s action in the Supreme Court against the CFA's proposed enterprise agreement.
The discussion came just hours after a disgruntled Boorhaman Fire Brigade volunteer made a stand during Premier Daniel Andrews’ appearance at Wangaratta Saleyards by parking his truck next to where the premier was due to speak.
Mr Logan said CFA staff also gave Mr Merlino a tour of the building’s incident control centre, which had state of the art technology 10 years ago, but had fallen behind Wodonga and Shepparton’s facilities.
He said it topped the list of funding upgrades needed in the district.
Staff also pitched a change in funding model to the minister, which would have the CFA receive regular funding from the state government, rather than having to apply each time.
Mr Merlino said he enjoyed meeting Wangaratta’s career and volunteer firefighters.
“Like other firefighters I've met around the state, many are telling me they are sick of being used as political footballs and just want to get on with the job they love, which is keeping our community safe,” he said. “The CFA and United Firefighters Union have reached an agreement that will be put to a vote and go to the Fair Work Commission after the Supreme Court case is finalised.
“Community safety is paramount and our fire services are well prepared for the coming bushfire season.”
The minister and Mr Andrews also inspected flood damage in the city on Thursday.
Wangaratta Council has asked that the state government contribute to the costs of fixing the leaking Parfitt Road levee.
