Today, I've written to the United Firefighters Union to formally express my concerns about the nature and tone of a number of communications that have been directed at Fire Rescue Victoria’s people and members of our leadership team over an extended period.
I wanted to speak directly to you about why I have done this.
Let me start by saying this clearly: I respect the important role unions play.
Strong representation matters. Advocacy matters. Healthy debate matters.
Unions have an important responsibility to represent and support their members, and robust discussion about organisational decisions is both legitimate and necessary.
This is not about preventing disagreement.
This is about how we treat one another.
Over time, I have become increasingly concerned about communications that move beyond advocacy and criticism of decisions, and instead target individuals personally.
I have heard directly from people who have felt distressed, intimidated or unfairly singled out because they were simply doing their job, participating in organisational processes, or holding a different view.
The People Matter Survey highlights these themes too.
No one should come to work worrying that they may become the subject of ridicule, personal attacks or public humiliation.
No one should feel unsafe for carrying out their duties professionally.
And no one should fear personal consequences simply because they disagree.
This issue extends beyond any one individual or any one leadership position.
It goes to the culture we want for Fire Rescue Victoria.
We want a workplace where people can challenge ideas, ask difficult questions, and advocate strongly for their views.
But we must do that in line with our FRV Values of Community, Teamwork, Integrity, Respect and Accountability.
Representation must never become intimidation.
Advocacy must never become vilification.
As an organisation, we have a responsibility to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our people, including their psychological wellbeing.
When conduct risks undermining that, we have an obligation to act.
I know there will be different views on industrial matters, and that's entirely appropriate.
But I hope we can all agree on one principle:
Every person at Fire Rescue Victoria deserves to be treated with respect.
That standard applies to all of us, regardless of role, rank or position.
I remain committed to working constructively with all representative bodies in the interests of our people and our organisation.
And I will continue to speak up whenever I believe the safety, wellbeing or dignity of our people is at risk.
Thank you for the work you do every day in service of the Victorian community.
And thank you for the professionalism and respect you show one another.
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