STATEMENT: Government makes ‘good progress’ in dispute between UFU and CFA

The Victorian government says ‘good progress’ has been made in the dispute over the state’s firefighters agreement.

Members of cabinet met on Monday to discuss the issue, as tensions grow between members of the UFU and CFA.

Emergency Services Minister Jane Garrett released a statement late Monday.

‘Over the last 24 hours, the Premier, the Minister for Emergency Services and the Minister for Industrial Relations have been working closely together to resolve matters around the CFA EBA and good progress has been made,’ it read.

‘The Government will continue to work on resolving outstanding issues with the EBA including the monitoring of the Agreement by the Emergency Management Commissioner Craig Lapsley and the Fair Work Commission.

‘The Government understands the concerns expressed by some CFA volunteers and others in the community about the impact of any Agreement on volunteers.

‘The Government is undertaking further work around the Fair Work Commission’s recommendation, particularly relating to ‘seven on the fire ground’, consultation and dispute resolution, and diversity issues.

‘Commissioner Lapsley has agreed to oversee the implementation of any agreement with a key focus on ensuring the role of volunteers is protected.

‘The Government will be looking to finalise these matters in coming days.’