Today, while Commissioner Gavin Freeman was busy hosting the 2025 International Fire Service Leaders Roadshow, Victorian firefighters were reminded just how far his leadership has failed.
Unlike fire chiefs from across the globe, Freeman has shown a complete lack of leadership at home. Instead of standing with firefighters, he has focused on slashing their working conditions. He hasn’t set foot inside a fire station in years — and is no longer welcome among the very people he is meant to lead.
At the Roadshow, LA County Fire Chief Marrone addressed the challenges of the LA fires. He highlighted how an ageing fire truck fleet has hampered firefighting efforts, with more than half of their vehicles operating well past their recommended lifespan.
It’s an all-too-familiar story here in Victoria. Our own outdated fleet continues to put firefighters and communities at risk. Yet, unlike US fire chiefs who speak out strongly in support of their firefighters, Commissioner Freeman remains silent.
With 90.85% of firefighters voting no confidence in his leadership, Freeman’s position is clearly untenable. Victorian firefighters deserve strong leadership — not a Commissioner intent on slashing conditions while ignoring a worsening fire truck crisis.
