UPDATE: Firefighters are calling for the immediate resignation of Fire Rescue Victoria Commissioner Gavin Freeman after the announcement that he will receive a prestigious fellowship from the Institute of Public Administration Australia. This decision has ignited outrage among the state’s firefighters, who describe the current state of the fire service as a “crisis.”
The United Firefighters Union (UFU) condemned the award, arguing that it contradicts Freeman’s leadership during one of the worst periods in the service’s history. Union Secretary Peter Marshall stated, “The fire service has never been as broken as it is now,” highlighting the disconnect between recognition and the actual state of the department.
The fellowship, which honors public officials for excellence and creating “lasting public value,” has been met with fierce criticism, especially as the fire service faces mounting challenges.
“Firefighters put their life on the line on a daily basis, and they’ve been let down by this government very badly,”
Marshall added, questioning the rationale behind awarding Freeman amidst severe operational issues.
On Thursday, October 19, 2023, around 30 off-duty firefighters gathered outside Flinders Street Station to distribute flyers and raise awareness about the crisis under Freeman’s leadership. This protest is part of a larger strategy targeting 34 marginal Labor electorates as the November 2026 state election approaches.
The UFU’s call for Freeman’s removal follows a vote of no confidence, where over 90 percent of members expressed dissatisfaction with his leadership. This follows a similar action taken by Victoria Police members that resulted in the resignation of former Chief Commissioner Shane Patton. Additionally, Jane Miller, the chief executive of Ambulance Victoria, resigned earlier in 2024 following a staff no-confidence vote.
Despite the overwhelming discontent, Premier Jacinta Allan has publicly stated her “full confidence” in Freeman, raising questions about government accountability. The union alleges that while the government spends excessively on consultants, essential resources like fire trucks are aging and nearing their operational limits, putting both crews and the public in jeopardy ahead of the upcoming fire season.
As firefighters continue to rally public support against the government and Freeman, the situation remains tense, with many demanding immediate action. The public is urged to pay attention to these developments, as the future of fire safety in the region may be at stake. Fire Rescue Victoria and the government have been approached for comment but have yet to respond.
This story is still developing, and further updates will follow as the situation unfolds.
