Firefighters pass no-confidence vote against leadership
Firefighters have delivered an "overwhelming" vote of no confidence in leadership, citing years of escalating systemic failures and a lack of support.
The United Firefighters Union revealed that 90 per cent of its members have lost faith in Fire Rescue Victoria's top leadership team, making it the third emergency service in the state to withdraw support for its leadership in the past year.
The union has been locked in a long-running dispute with the state government over pay and allowances, while also raising serious safety concerns about ageing and unsafe vehicles.
Nine-out-of-ten members expressed "no confidence" in Commissioner Gavin Freeman, Acting Deputy Secretary Tony Matthews, and Acting Executive Director Tom McPherson.
The latest vote comes just months after Victoria Police members passed a similar motion, which led to the resignation of former Chief Commissioner Shane Patton.
Ambulance Victoria's chief executive Jane Miller also stepped down last year following a no-confidence vote by staff.
Union Secretary Peter Marshall has written to Premier Jacinta Allan and Emergency Services Minister Vicki Ward advising them of the vote and requesting action to repair the relationship with workers and executive leaders.
"In an organisation like a fire brigade, which follows a quasi-military structure, this is not a step that anyone has taken lightly," he said.
Mr Marshall said the vote follows years of mismanagement and leadership failures, which include an 800 per cent rise in spending on consultants in three years, along with a hostile industrial strategy where leaders reneged on promises made to the workforce.
He also said many trucks are past their use-by date, with potentially life-threatening breakdowns putting firefighters and the public at daily risk.
"To keep Victorians safe, emergency service workers need leaders who understand and respect emergency responders and put public safety first" Mr Marshall said.
Mr Freeman said he would continue to work with the state government to resolve the matter as quickly as possible.
"I have full confidence in my executive leadership team, whose commitment to leading with integrity and accountability is delivering a world-class, values-led fire and rescue service for Victorians," he said.
"I am aware that the protracted and complex nature of industrial bargaining has caused frustration and concern among our people."
An industrial dispute concerning pay and conditions between the union and Fire Rescue Victoria has been referred to the Fair Work Commission, after both parties have been unable to reach an agreement.
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Premier backs fire leaders after no-confidence vote
A state premier has been accused of double standards after refusing to sack senior fire leaders following an "overwhelming" vote of no confidence. The United Firefighters Union has revealed 90 per cent of its members have lost faith in Fire Rescue Victoria's top leadership team, making it the state's third emergency service to withdraw support for its leadership in the past year. The union has been locked in a long-running dispute with the state government over pay and allowances, while also raising serious safety concerns about ageing and unsafe vehicles. Nine-out-of-ten of nearly 3000 firefighters and union members expressed "no confidence" in Commissioner Gavin Freeman, acting deputy secretary Tony Matthews, and acting executive director Tom McPherson. The latest vote comes just months after Victoria Police members passed a similar motion, which led to the resignation of former Chief Commissioner Shane Patton. Ambulance Victoria's chief executive Jane Miller also stepped down in 2024 following a no-confidence vote by staff. Union secretary Peter Marshall has written to Premier Jacinta Allan and Emergency Services Minister Vicki Ward advising them of the vote and requesting action to repair the relationship with workers and executive leaders. "In an organisation like a fire brigade, which follows a quasi-military structure, this is not a step that anyone has taken lightly," he said. His request has fallen on deaf ears, with the premier throwing her full support behind the trio and saying the situation isn't comparable to Victoria Police. "I have full confidence in the leadership of Fire Rescue Victoria," she told reporters. "This is a very different industrial environment." Mr Marshall accused the premier of "double standards", given her intervention when police registered a similarly resounding no-confidence vote. "The premier can live and fall on that statement," he said. "It's only 12 months away from an election, premier, and what we're saying is if someone loses their life it's on your head." Mr Marshall said the vote follows years of mismanagement and leadership failures, which include rising consultants spending, along with a hostile industrial strategy where leaders allegedly reneged on promises made to the workforce. He also said many trucks are past their use-by date, with potentially life-threatening breakdowns putting firefighters and the public at daily risk. Mr Freeman said he would continue to work with the state government to resolve the matter as quickly as possible. "I have full confidence in my executive leadership team, whose commitment to leading with integrity and accountability is delivering a world-class, values-led fire and rescue service for Victorians," he said. "I am aware that the protracted and complex nature of industrial bargaining has caused frustration and concern among our people." The industrial dispute has been referred to the Fair Work Commission after the parties were unable to reach an agreement. A state premier has been accused of double standards after refusing to sack senior fire leaders following an "overwhelming" vote of no confidence. The United Firefighters Union has revealed 90 per cent of its members have lost faith in Fire Rescue Victoria's top leadership team, making it the state's third emergency service to withdraw support for its leadership in the past year. The union has been locked in a long-running dispute with the state government over pay and allowances, while also raising serious safety concerns about ageing and unsafe vehicles. Nine-out-of-ten of nearly 3000 firefighters and union members expressed "no confidence" in Commissioner Gavin Freeman, acting deputy secretary Tony Matthews, and acting executive director Tom McPherson. The latest vote comes just months after Victoria Police members passed a similar motion, which led to the resignation of former Chief Commissioner Shane Patton. Ambulance Victoria's chief executive Jane Miller also stepped down in 2024 following a no-confidence vote by staff. Union secretary Peter Marshall has written to Premier Jacinta Allan and Emergency Services Minister Vicki Ward advising them of the vote and requesting action to repair the relationship with workers and executive leaders. "In an organisation like a fire brigade, which follows a quasi-military structure, this is not a step that anyone has taken lightly," he said. His request has fallen on deaf ears, with the premier throwing her full support behind the trio and saying the situation isn't comparable to Victoria Police. "I have full confidence in the leadership of Fire Rescue Victoria," she told reporters. "This is a very different industrial environment." Mr Marshall accused the premier of "double standards", given her intervention when police registered a similarly resounding no-confidence vote. "The premier can live and fall on that statement," he said. "It's only 12 months away from an election, premier, and what we're saying is if someone loses their life it's on your head." Mr Marshall said the vote follows years of mismanagement and leadership failures, which include rising consultants spending, along with a hostile industrial strategy where leaders allegedly reneged on promises made to the workforce. He also said many trucks are past their use-by date, with potentially life-threatening breakdowns putting firefighters and the public at daily risk. Mr Freeman said he would continue to work with the state government to resolve the matter as quickly as possible. "I have full confidence in my executive leadership team, whose commitment to leading with integrity and accountability is delivering a world-class, values-led fire and rescue service for Victorians," he said. "I am aware that the protracted and complex nature of industrial bargaining has caused frustration and concern among our people." The industrial dispute has been referred to the Fair Work Commission after the parties were unable to reach an agreement. A state premier has been accused of double standards after refusing to sack senior fire leaders following an "overwhelming" vote of no confidence. The United Firefighters Union has revealed 90 per cent of its members have lost faith in Fire Rescue Victoria's top leadership team, making it the state's third emergency service to withdraw support for its leadership in the past year. The union has been locked in a long-running dispute with the state government over pay and allowances, while also raising serious safety concerns about ageing and unsafe vehicles. Nine-out-of-ten of nearly 3000 firefighters and union members expressed "no confidence" in Commissioner Gavin Freeman, acting deputy secretary Tony Matthews, and acting executive director Tom McPherson. The latest vote comes just months after Victoria Police members passed a similar motion, which led to the resignation of former Chief Commissioner Shane Patton. Ambulance Victoria's chief executive Jane Miller also stepped down in 2024 following a no-confidence vote by staff. Union secretary Peter Marshall has written to Premier Jacinta Allan and Emergency Services Minister Vicki Ward advising them of the vote and requesting action to repair the relationship with workers and executive leaders. "In an organisation like a fire brigade, which follows a quasi-military structure, this is not a step that anyone has taken lightly," he said. His request has fallen on deaf ears, with the premier throwing her full support behind the trio and saying the situation isn't comparable to Victoria Police. "I have full confidence in the leadership of Fire Rescue Victoria," she told reporters. "This is a very different industrial environment." Mr Marshall accused the premier of "double standards", given her intervention when police registered a similarly resounding no-confidence vote. "The premier can live and fall on that statement," he said. "It's only 12 months away from an election, premier, and what we're saying is if someone loses their life it's on your head." Mr Marshall said the vote follows years of mismanagement and leadership failures, which include rising consultants spending, along with a hostile industrial strategy where leaders allegedly reneged on promises made to the workforce. He also said many trucks are past their use-by date, with potentially life-threatening breakdowns putting firefighters and the public at daily risk. Mr Freeman said he would continue to work with the state government to resolve the matter as quickly as possible. "I have full confidence in my executive leadership team, whose commitment to leading with integrity and accountability is delivering a world-class, values-led fire and rescue service for Victorians," he said. "I am aware that the protracted and complex nature of industrial bargaining has caused frustration and concern among our people." The industrial dispute has been referred to the Fair Work Commission after the parties were unable to reach an agreement. A state premier has been accused of double standards after refusing to sack senior fire leaders following an "overwhelming" vote of no confidence. The United Firefighters Union has revealed 90 per cent of its members have lost faith in Fire Rescue Victoria's top leadership team, making it the state's third emergency service to withdraw support for its leadership in the past year. The union has been locked in a long-running dispute with the state government over pay and allowances, while also raising serious safety concerns about ageing and unsafe vehicles. Nine-out-of-ten of nearly 3000 firefighters and union members expressed "no confidence" in Commissioner Gavin Freeman, acting deputy secretary Tony Matthews, and acting executive director Tom McPherson. The latest vote comes just months after Victoria Police members passed a similar motion, which led to the resignation of former Chief Commissioner Shane Patton. Ambulance Victoria's chief executive Jane Miller also stepped down in 2024 following a no-confidence vote by staff. Union secretary Peter Marshall has written to Premier Jacinta Allan and Emergency Services Minister Vicki Ward advising them of the vote and requesting action to repair the relationship with workers and executive leaders. "In an organisation like a fire brigade, which follows a quasi-military structure, this is not a step that anyone has taken lightly," he said. His request has fallen on deaf ears, with the premier throwing her full support behind the trio and saying the situation isn't comparable to Victoria Police. "I have full confidence in the leadership of Fire Rescue Victoria," she told reporters. "This is a very different industrial environment." Mr Marshall accused the premier of "double standards", given her intervention when police registered a similarly resounding no-confidence vote. "The premier can live and fall on that statement," he said. "It's only 12 months away from an election, premier, and what we're saying is if someone loses their life it's on your head." Mr Marshall said the vote follows years of mismanagement and leadership failures, which include rising consultants spending, along with a hostile industrial strategy where leaders allegedly reneged on promises made to the workforce. He also said many trucks are past their use-by date, with potentially life-threatening breakdowns putting firefighters and the public at daily risk. Mr Freeman said he would continue to work with the state government to resolve the matter as quickly as possible. "I have full confidence in my executive leadership team, whose commitment to leading with integrity and accountability is delivering a world-class, values-led fire and rescue service for Victorians," he said. "I am aware that the protracted and complex nature of industrial bargaining has caused frustration and concern among our people." The industrial dispute has been referred to the Fair Work Commission after the parties were unable to reach an agreement.
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"The commonwealth government should move to re-instate an effective industry watchdog, with the powers and resources to stamp out corrupt and illegal conduct in the construction industry and to work in synergy with the administrator," he said. A High Court rejection of the CFMEU's legal challenge to a federal takeover has paved the way to reform the union, administrators for the embattled organisation say. The CFMEU failed in its bid to overturn a decision by the Albanese government in the High Court that placed the union's construction division into administration. The federal government intervened in August 2024, following claims of bikie and organised crime figures infiltrating the scandal-riddled union, in addition to other serious criminal activity. Controversial leader John Setka claimed the allegations against the union were false, but said he would step down to stop the intense media coverage. Former CFMEU officials challenged the government's legislation that removed the union's leadership and placed it under the control of administrator Mark Irving KC. The plaintiffs, sacked CFMEU officials Michael Ravbar and William Lowth, argued the law was invalid on four grounds, including that it breached their implied freedom of political communication. The full bench of the High Court found all four arguments were unfounded. Mr Irving said the court's decision was a rejection of the attack on the administration's legitimacy. "The decision provides clarity and it paves the way for greater systemic reforms necessary for the union and across the industry," he said. "Along with the CFMEU, employers, regulators and governments all have a role to play in rooting out malignant and violent actors from the construction sector." Victoria Police last September said Setka wouldn't face criminal charges over visits to government work sites, after it looked into 20 allegations of "potential criminal activity". Criminal infiltration and corruption of the construction industry was revealed in Mr Irving's first report as remaining "an area in which much work still needs to be done". Previous workplace relations minister Murray Watt credited Mr Irving and his team for uncovering the "unacceptable conduct". He later referred further allegations, aired by 60 Minutes, to police for investigation. The government's legislation allows the CFMEU to remain in administration for up to five years and officials who frustrate or obstruct the process face hefty penalties. Industrial Relations Minister Amanda Rishworth said the government would not tolerate criminal behaviour, corruption or violence in the construction industry. "We need to focus on shifting the culture in the construction industry and ensure the bad actors we have seen infiltrating this sector are kept out," she said in a statement. "Construction workers deserve a union free from criminality, corruption and violence. "The administrator and his team can now move forward with confidence and continue their essential work in cleaning up the Construction and General Division of the CFMEU." Master Builders Australia chief executive Denita Wawn said the ruling gave the construction industry and administrator the certainty they needed to clean up the union. "More needs to be done around criminal activity, around competition law in terms of cartel-like behaviour, we need more whistle-blowing support for those who do want to come forward," she told reporters in Canberra. "The administration has created calm. It's enabled us to actually work and have conversations with the CFMEU for the first time." Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Andrew McKellar said the administration was a welcome first step but more needed to be done to address construction sector issues. "The commonwealth government should move to re-instate an effective industry watchdog, with the powers and resources to stamp out corrupt and illegal conduct in the construction industry and to work in synergy with the administrator," he said. A High Court rejection of the CFMEU's legal challenge to a federal takeover has paved the way to reform the union, administrators for the embattled organisation say. The CFMEU failed in its bid to overturn a decision by the Albanese government in the High Court that placed the union's construction division into administration. The federal government intervened in August 2024, following claims of bikie and organised crime figures infiltrating the scandal-riddled union, in addition to other serious criminal activity. Controversial leader John Setka claimed the allegations against the union were false, but said he would step down to stop the intense media coverage. Former CFMEU officials challenged the government's legislation that removed the union's leadership and placed it under the control of administrator Mark Irving KC. The plaintiffs, sacked CFMEU officials Michael Ravbar and William Lowth, argued the law was invalid on four grounds, including that it breached their implied freedom of political communication. The full bench of the High Court found all four arguments were unfounded. Mr Irving said the court's decision was a rejection of the attack on the administration's legitimacy. "The decision provides clarity and it paves the way for greater systemic reforms necessary for the union and across the industry," he said. "Along with the CFMEU, employers, regulators and governments all have a role to play in rooting out malignant and violent actors from the construction sector." Victoria Police last September said Setka wouldn't face criminal charges over visits to government work sites, after it looked into 20 allegations of "potential criminal activity". Criminal infiltration and corruption of the construction industry was revealed in Mr Irving's first report as remaining "an area in which much work still needs to be done". Previous workplace relations minister Murray Watt credited Mr Irving and his team for uncovering the "unacceptable conduct". He later referred further allegations, aired by 60 Minutes, to police for investigation. The government's legislation allows the CFMEU to remain in administration for up to five years and officials who frustrate or obstruct the process face hefty penalties. Industrial Relations Minister Amanda Rishworth said the government would not tolerate criminal behaviour, corruption or violence in the construction industry. "We need to focus on shifting the culture in the construction industry and ensure the bad actors we have seen infiltrating this sector are kept out," she said in a statement. "Construction workers deserve a union free from criminality, corruption and violence. "The administrator and his team can now move forward with confidence and continue their essential work in cleaning up the Construction and General Division of the CFMEU." Master Builders Australia chief executive Denita Wawn said the ruling gave the construction industry and administrator the certainty they needed to clean up the union. "More needs to be done around criminal activity, around competition law in terms of cartel-like behaviour, we need more whistle-blowing support for those who do want to come forward," she told reporters in Canberra. "The administration has created calm. It's enabled us to actually work and have conversations with the CFMEU for the first time." Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Andrew McKellar said the administration was a welcome first step but more needed to be done to address construction sector issues. "The commonwealth government should move to re-instate an effective industry watchdog, with the powers and resources to stamp out corrupt and illegal conduct in the construction industry and to work in synergy with the administrator," he said. A High Court rejection of the CFMEU's legal challenge to a federal takeover has paved the way to reform the union, administrators for the embattled organisation say. The CFMEU failed in its bid to overturn a decision by the Albanese government in the High Court that placed the union's construction division into administration. The federal government intervened in August 2024, following claims of bikie and organised crime figures infiltrating the scandal-riddled union, in addition to other serious criminal activity. Controversial leader John Setka claimed the allegations against the union were false, but said he would step down to stop the intense media coverage. Former CFMEU officials challenged the government's legislation that removed the union's leadership and placed it under the control of administrator Mark Irving KC. The plaintiffs, sacked CFMEU officials Michael Ravbar and William Lowth, argued the law was invalid on four grounds, including that it breached their implied freedom of political communication. The full bench of the High Court found all four arguments were unfounded. Mr Irving said the court's decision was a rejection of the attack on the administration's legitimacy. "The decision provides clarity and it paves the way for greater systemic reforms necessary for the union and across the industry," he said. "Along with the CFMEU, employers, regulators and governments all have a role to play in rooting out malignant and violent actors from the construction sector." Victoria Police last September said Setka wouldn't face criminal charges over visits to government work sites, after it looked into 20 allegations of "potential criminal activity". Criminal infiltration and corruption of the construction industry was revealed in Mr Irving's first report as remaining "an area in which much work still needs to be done". Previous workplace relations minister Murray Watt credited Mr Irving and his team for uncovering the "unacceptable conduct". He later referred further allegations, aired by 60 Minutes, to police for investigation. The government's legislation allows the CFMEU to remain in administration for up to five years and officials who frustrate or obstruct the process face hefty penalties. Industrial Relations Minister Amanda Rishworth said the government would not tolerate criminal behaviour, corruption or violence in the construction industry. "We need to focus on shifting the culture in the construction industry and ensure the bad actors we have seen infiltrating this sector are kept out," she said in a statement. "Construction workers deserve a union free from criminality, corruption and violence. "The administrator and his team can now move forward with confidence and continue their essential work in cleaning up the Construction and General Division of the CFMEU." Master Builders Australia chief executive Denita Wawn said the ruling gave the construction industry and administrator the certainty they needed to clean up the union. "More needs to be done around criminal activity, around competition law in terms of cartel-like behaviour, we need more whistle-blowing support for those who do want to come forward," she told reporters in Canberra. "The administration has created calm. It's enabled us to actually work and have conversations with the CFMEU for the first time." Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Andrew McKellar said the administration was a welcome first step but more needed to be done to address construction sector issues. "The commonwealth government should move to re-instate an effective industry watchdog, with the powers and resources to stamp out corrupt and illegal conduct in the construction industry and to work in synergy with the administrator," he said.
Perth Now
6 hours ago
- Perth Now
Firefighters pass no-confidence vote against leadership
Firefighters have delivered an "overwhelming" vote of no confidence in leadership, citing years of escalating systemic failures and a lack of support. The United Firefighters Union revealed that 90 per cent of its members have lost faith in Fire Rescue Victoria's top leadership team, making it the third emergency service in the state to withdraw support for its leadership in the past year. The union has been locked in a long-running dispute with the state government over pay and allowances, while also raising serious safety concerns about ageing and unsafe vehicles. Nine-out-of-ten members expressed "no confidence" in Commissioner Gavin Freeman, Acting Deputy Secretary Tony Matthews, and Acting Executive Director Tom McPherson. The latest vote comes just months after Victoria Police members passed a similar motion, which led to the resignation of former Chief Commissioner Shane Patton. Ambulance Victoria's chief executive Jane Miller also stepped down last year following a no-confidence vote by staff. Union Secretary Peter Marshall has written to Premier Jacinta Allan and Emergency Services Minister Vicki Ward advising them of the vote and requesting action to repair the relationship with workers and executive leaders. "In an organisation like a fire brigade, which follows a quasi-military structure, this is not a step that anyone has taken lightly," he said. Mr Marshall said the vote follows years of mismanagement and leadership failures, which include an 800 per cent rise in spending on consultants in three years, along with a hostile industrial strategy where leaders reneged on promises made to the workforce. He also said many trucks are past their use-by date, with potentially life-threatening breakdowns putting firefighters and the public at daily risk. "To keep Victorians safe, emergency service workers need leaders who understand and respect emergency responders and put public safety first" Mr Marshall said. Mr Freeman said he would continue to work with the state government to resolve the matter as quickly as possible. "I have full confidence in my executive leadership team, whose commitment to leading with integrity and accountability is delivering a world-class, values-led fire and rescue service for Victorians," he said. "I am aware that the protracted and complex nature of industrial bargaining has caused frustration and concern among our people." An industrial dispute concerning pay and conditions between the union and Fire Rescue Victoria has been referred to the Fair Work Commission, after both parties have been unable to reach an agreement.
