FRV welcomes the release of Independent Broad-Based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC) report

Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) welcomes the release of today’s Independent Broad-Based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC) report, which focuses on the former Metropolitan Fire Brigade.

We are reviewing the report to better understand the findings and respond to the recommendations, which we accept in full.

FRV was established on 1 July 2020 as part of Victoria’s Fire Services Reform, through which we have made significant progress in modernising our organisation.

This includes instilling the highest standards of integrity and accountability within our culture, improving technology systems, enhancing processes and upskilling our people.

This work is ongoing, and we will continue to invest in our people, processes and technology.

We have also appointed external information security experts to assist us in identifying and addressing issues relating to information technology security.

The behaviour outlined in the report is concerning and FRV’s rigorous internal processes regarding employee conduct and behaviour will be followed.

“It’s important we follow the principles of natural justice and allow our internal processes to be applied in response to the findings", said the Fire Rescue Commissioner, Gavin Freeman AFSM.

“As a public sector organisation, FRV places significant importance on ensuring our values and those of the Victorian Public Sector and its Code of Conduct, are applied consistently across our organisation."

“This report does not call into question the dedication and commitment of our firefighters who continue to deliver high-quality services to Victorians.”