Statement by CEO Chair Greg Smith
Following the implementation of the fire services reform, I have reflected on the journey undertaken to get us to this important milestone.
Our future direction as a volunteer firefighting organisation, with deep and historic roots within our communities, is clear and should not be underestimated.
Victorians trust, respect and support CFA for all the reasons which were evident during the recent bushfire season.
CFA members, whether they were volunteers or staff, performed above and beyond their roles to protect and serve our communities and keep them safe during the most challenging season in a decade.
It was a privilege for the Board members and I to meet the volunteers and community members impacted by the fires around Sarsfield and Buchan in February, and to hear first hand how the skill and experience of CFA’s members prevented greater loss of life and property.
With the implementation of fire services reform, I believe now is the time for a change in leadership of the CFA Board to enable a new Chair to drive the organisation forward.
This is a decision I have been considering for some time. I discussed this with the Minister for Police and Emergency Services and agreed to delay my decision until after the implementation for reform was complete.
My resignation as Chair and as a CFA Board member is effective as of 21 July 2020.
It has been an honour to have been the Chair during this time of transformation and I am proud that the Board has been able to deliver significant improvements in governance, financial management, integrity, occupational health and safety, complaints handling and child safety.
I would like to extend my thanks to all CFA members for the work they do in protecting Victorians. We would not be the respected and trusted organisation we are without your selfless efforts.
I wish you all the very best for the future as I know that CFA will continue to grow and thrive.
Greg Smith
Chair
