Emergency Services Minister James Merlino responds to CFA changes with Neil Mitchell

Emergency Services Minister James Merlino says splitting Victoria’s fire services has “absolutely nothing” to do with keeping the United Firefighters Union happy.

And he has dismissed rumours CFA honchos were not consulted on the radical restructure of Victoria’s firefighting service – FULL DETAILS HERE.

On consultation…

Neil: Have you spoken to the chief fire officer at the CFA?

Mr Merlino: Yes, of course I have.

Neil: Steve Warrington?

Mr Merlino: Yep.

Neil: About these changes?

Mr Merlino: Yes, I have.

Neil: That’s not what we’ve been told…

On the UFU

Neil: They’re picking up more members and strength, without any doubt they’re becoming more powerful, aren’t they?

Mr Merlino: No, I wouldn’t agree with that. this is about bring existing career firefighters together.

Click PLAY for the full interview