IBAC Report Exposes Secret Firefighter Union Deal in Victoria

The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) released a report from its Operation Richmond investigation that found senior officials in the former Andrews government acted contrary to policy, procedure and codes of conduct during negotiations of enterprise bargaining agreements for the Country Fire Authority (CFA) and the Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB). The inquiry revealed a concealed agreement with United Firefighters Union (UFU) secretary Peter Marshall, allowing the union leader extraordinary influence over the deal and privileged access to senior ministers.

Investigators said meetings were held in rented rooms and a hotel, with participants instructed to keep discussions confidential. While IBAC did not find evidence of criminal corrupt conduct, it concluded that officials deliberately misled stakeholders, misused official data and attempted to hide the arrangement from cabinet. The fallout included the resignation of emergency‑services minister Jane Garrett and political criticism ahead of Victoria’s November 28 state election. New Premier Ben Carroll condemned the conduct and pledged reforms to strengthen anti‑corruption powers.