Administrative ‘stuff-up’ could stop hundreds of volunteers from fighting fires

There are concerns hundreds of volunteer firefighters could be blocked from fighting bushfires this summer due to lost training records.

Tom Elliott shared exclusive details of the administrative issue on Monday.

“If this isn’t rectified, and we are talking about dozens of brigades and hundreds, possibly thousands, of firefighters here – then all of these firefighters will not be legally allowed to act as volunteers,” he said.

Press PLAY below to hear what’s happened

John Bedwell, Brigade and Community Safety Officer at Mt Cameron, said Tom’s assessment of the situation was spot on and there could be serious firefighter shortages if the issue isn’t fixed.

“If our brigade is any indication, that will be the case,” he said.

Mr Bedwell said “senior leaders” had gone missing over the issue.

Press PLAY below to hear him explain

Garry Cook is the acting chief officer of the CFA and told Tom Elliott there were issues being worked through.

But he denied any link to the problem being related to the establishment of Fire Rescue Victoria in recent years.

“I think that’s just jumping at shadows, to be quite honest,” he said.

Press PLAY below to hear him speak with Tom Elliott