The Government can confirm that the CFA Chief Fire Officer Joe Buffone has tendered his resignation to the CFA. Mr Buffone’s decision to resign was his and his alone. Since becoming Minister for Emergency Services, I have both privately and publicly expressed my confidence in..

Minister for Emergency Services James Merlino today praised the firefighters at Morwell and Traralgon fire brigades for their critical work protecting their communities. Visiting the stations today, Mr Merlino was encouraged to see it was business as usual at the integrated brigades, which have a..

Ballarat students are a step closer to having a high tech, innovation hub for learning with the appointment of an architect for the new Ballarat Tech School. Minister for Education James Merlino today joined Member for Buninyong Geoff Howard at Federation University to announce Patrick..

The Government welcomes the lifting of the Supreme Court injunction. Since the Government’s unanimous decision to end this dispute, I have been visiting brigades around the state, including in Mildura, Bendigo, Lancefield and Whittlesea. It is clear that firefighters are sick of being used as..

Victoria’s top students in ‘hands on’ subjects have been recognised at the Victorian Certificate for Applied Learning (VCAL) Achievement Awards. Minister for Education James Merlino presented the awards to students at a ceremony at Melbourne’s Federation Square today. VCAL provides an alternative pathway through senior..

A new board of the Country Fire Authority has today been appointed to deliver reforms that the organisation needs to keep Victoria safe. The new board will be chaired by Mr Greg Smith AM, with Ms Michelle McLean to serve as deputy chair. The other..

Ms Lucinda Nolan has advised me of her intention to resign as Chief Executive Officer of the Country Fire Authority. Prior to joining the CFA in November 2015, Ms Nolan served the Victoria Police for more than 30 years, holding positions as Deputy Commissioner, Strategy..

Students in Mildura were big winners in the Victorian Budget 2016/17 and will now enjoy the facilities they deserve thanks to an unprecedented investment in Victorian schools. Minister for Education James Merlino and Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes  today visited three local schools to..

The Andrews Labor Government will establish a Country Fire Authority Performance and Policy Consultative Committee, uniting career firefighters, volunteers and management to improve the CFA’s performance and culture. The CFA Committee will be modelled on the Ambulance Performance and Policy Consultative Committee established in the..

This evening I have advised the CFA board that the Government has begun proceedings to dismiss it. Earlier today I communicated to the board the Government’s unanimous acceptance of an agreement as recommended by the Fair Work Commission. I outlined additional safeguards that have been..

A new education and community precinct has been unveiled at Fishermans Bend, to be built around the new Ferrars Street school currently under construction. Plans for the Ferrars Street Precinct are now available for public comment, which detail how this industrial part of South Melbourne..

Students at Ringwood Secondary College in Melbourne’s east are a step closer to having the facilities they deserve with work starting on a $7.55 million redevelopment of the school’s facilities. Minister for Education James Merlino joined parents, students and teachers to turn the first sod..

Local principals have come together to explore shared facilities at school sites to ensure they remain the central hub of the Ballarat community. Minister for Education James Merlino, Member for Buninyong Geoff Howard and Member for Wendouree Sharon Knight today attended the education forum at..