The Country Fire Authority (CFA) has issued an apology to current and past members who experienced unacceptable behaviours at the organisation, following the release of a report into its culture and issues management.
Releasing a joint statement, Chair of CFA, Greg Wilson, Chief Executive of CFA, Natalie MacDonald, and CFA Chief Officer, Jason Heffernan said it was critical that CFA provided the best environment to support its people so they could continue their vital service to the Victorian community.
“We know that CFA has seen in recent times, and historically, examples of behaviours and actions that would not meet today’s community standards,” the Authority’s leaders said.
“And we know that CFA has not always handled these issues well when they have arisen,” they said.
“As the senior leaders we do not, and must not, shy away from these issues, and we accept the challenge for CFA to build further on actions taken to date to ensure that people feel welcome and supported when they are part of this great organisation.”
The Senior Leaders said the External Review of Culture and Issues Management to Support the CFA of the Future from Allen & Clarke Consulting was commissioner by CFA in September because “we knew more needed to be done to support our people.”
They said the Review made 10 recommendations, all of which were accepted in full.
“We are deeply sorry to those current and past members who have experienced unacceptable behaviours at CFA and we are committed to doing better,” they said.
In its Report, Allen & Clarke Consulting said its review heard of the perceived shortcomings of CFA as a Government Agency supporting volunteers and the negative impact of the churn of leadership in the past decade.
“The lack of consistent leadership at a district and regional level and the impact of the most recent Fire Services Reform, which many CFA members feel have devalued their contribution, notwithstanding decades of experience accumulated in voluntarily fighting fires and responding to other emergencies,” the Consultancy firm said.
“The initiatives implemented by the current leadership since July 2020 seek to remedy these matters, are still being understood by members,” it said.
“Conversely, we have also heard the strengths of what keeps CFA going; that it is an organisation with a strong recognition across Victoria, that not only delivers services to the community, but which offers opportunities.”
The 256-page Review Report can be accessed at this PS News link.
