Fiskville Investigation Update No.3

CFA also announced a new ‘Investigation and Information’ hot line (1800 628 616).

You can also view it on CFA Connect here:

Terms of Reference

It states that the role of the independent Chair is to investigate and provide an independent report to the CFA Board and CEO by the end of March 2012 which, following consideration will be made public.

Significantly, it says the Chair will have open access to all available CFA documents, systems, studies and resources, plus access to all people employed or associated with CFA or the site, past and present (subject to their willingness to participate).

In summary, CFA CEO Mick Bourke said the investigation and subsequent report will:

• Examine and consider the historical facts relating to the nature, acquisition and use of liquids, gases or solids for live fire fighting training at Fiskville;

Identify and list any documents or reports that contain comments on or recommendations about the use and disposal of flammable substances and extinguishing agents used for live fire fighting training at Fiskville;

Report on how effectively each comment or recommendation was acted upon; and, where no action was taken, comment on the reasons for and implications of such lack of action;

Identify the origins of the flammable substances and report on how they were stored, used and disposed of; and assess the likelihood of the use and management of flammable substances and extinguishing agents having led to contamination of air, land or groundwater at, under or beyond the Fiskville facility;

Identify the nature and extent of exposure to the flammable substances, extinguishing agents and fire water of persons on-site and in surrounding areas;

On the basis of available information, assess the risk that there are buried flammable substances, drums and/or other related contaminants on the site.

“This investigation is into allegations about practices and operational settings dating back as far as the 1970s so it will take time to thoroughly check records and speak to people,” Mr Bourke said.

“During the investigation period, CFA is not going to speculate on issues.

“What is already known is that the allegations regarding the use of chemicals date back to a time when attitudes, understanding and work practices were different. Since then, those attitudes, standards and practices have changed dramatically, for the better.”

Senior CFA staff have already visited former members to gather information and documentation about past Fiskville practices and this will form a key part of the investigation.

CFA became aware of serious allegations linking the training college to cancers in members, their families and possibly local residents when contacted by the Herald Sun on Monday, 5 December.

Since then, CFA has appointed former deputy chairman of the Environmental Protection Authority Rob Joy - who has 25 years’ experience in environment protection and resource management - to be the independent Chair of the Fiskville investigation.

CFA has also set up health and welfare support for people who have spent time at Fiskville; many of whom are understandably concerned.

CFA also today announced the establishment of a new seven days a week ‘Investigation and Information’ line (1800 628 616) for people with concerns to call between 8:30am and 8:30pm.

“Call takers will be able to offer support and advice to those who feel they may currently be at risk, or who are worried about their health due to visits to Fiskville in the past,” Mr Bourke said

“Callers will access assistance directly or be referred to an appropriate person for further advice.”

People can call the information line anonymously, however, data regarding calls taken and issues raised will be reported to ensure appropriate follow-up action is taken where required.

People can also email: fiskvilleprojectteam@cfa.vic.gov.au

CFA is also providing regular information updates on the CFA website and via media.

Mr Bourke said there is no evidence to suggest there are any current issues at Fiskville and a recent hygienist review found that there were no risks that would affect volunteers, employees and anyone else visiting the facility.

“WorkSafe has also done an inspection of the site this week and we will continue to work with them. We are also working with the EPA,” Mr Bourke said.

“While fire fighting is a dangerous activity, the health and wellbeing of all CFA members and their families is of the highest priority.

“I want to leave nobody in any doubt how seriously we take this matter. We are determined to deal with this matter properly because our people, former and current, are our priority.”

For more information contact:

CFA Media (03) 5330 3124 (24hrs)