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A REPORT investigating the misconduct of Eaglehawk Fire Brigade has been made public this morning and the CFA has released a statement promising to adopt all recommendations.
In the statement, the CFA said there was a “pattern of poor behaviour” at the Eaglehawk Fire Brigade and that the apparent assault of a 17-year-old girl was “not an isolated incident”.
A report into the conduct of the Eaglehawk brigade details four separate incidents, including the restraint of the girl to the front of a truck using duct tape.
The report recommended appointing a CFA staff officer to lead the brigade until a permanent arrangement could be made, review leadership positions within the brigade, prohibiting alcohol consumption in the brigade and to consider suspending the Eaglehawk running team.
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Other recommendations include the banning of “hazing and initiations” from the CFA, strengthening the member selection process and greater training in “CFA values”.
In a statement, the CFA said it would adopt the recommendations.
“Disciplinary action has been taken by the Chief Officer against four members of the brigade using his powers under CFA regulations,” the statement reads.
“CFA does not tolerate any form of abuse, harassment or discrimination and all volunteers and staff are encouraged to utilise the range of wellbeing service provisions available to them, including the Complaints Hotline.
“It is vitally important that cultural problems inside the organisation are addressed and young CFA volunteers are supported and encouraged to continue the good work of CFA.
“CFA must collectively take a stand and work together to ensure that we grow into a modern and inclusive organisation for the future.”
Premier Daniel Andrews was asked to comment on the matter during a press conference in Melbourne this morning.
He said the CFA’s response was appropriate.
“This is a very disturbing case and I think the CFA have taken the appropriate steps,” Mr Andrews said.
“We don’t want to see anybody in our fire services treated that way.
“I don’t want to comment on the specifics, I will leave the CFA to do that. But I think they have approached this with the seriousness that it warrants and I think the sanctions are perfectly appropriate.”
WorkSafe is continuing to look into the matter. A spokesperson said it would be “inappropriate to comment” at this time.
Read the full report here: