CFA crisis: Chief executive resigns, board sacked

CFA chief executive Lucinda Nolan has resigned.

In a statement to CFA members at 3pm on Friday, Ms Nolan said it had been an honour to serve as the authority's first female CEO.

"I have submitted by resignation to the Minister for Emergency Services and officially finish with the CFA on 17 June 2016," she stated.

"Since coming to the CFA I have taken every approach possible to protect and serve the community as my utmost priority; and to uphold the foundation on which the organisation is built.

"I want to thank the Honourable Jane Garrett and the CFA board for their significant contribution to the organisation. I also wish to acknowledge and thank the staff and volunteers of the CFA; the Chief Fire Officer, Joe Buffone; and the CFA leadership team for their dedication and commitment."

Lucinda Nolan, who resigned today as chief executive of the CFA Photo: Justin McManus

Lucinda Nolan, who resigned today as chief executive of the CFA Photo: Justin McManus

This came as the CFA board has formally been sacked with five replacements already announced, Emergency Services Minister James Merlino has announced.

The former board was sacked by email, half an hour after Mr Merlino announced the new one.

Speaking at Cranbourne CFA station on Friday the minister said former Fair Work Commissioner Greg Smith would be the new chair.

Former chief executive of the bushfire recovery authority Pam White will also serve on the board, alongside Dr Gillian Starks and Simon Weir.

Chief executive and partner at Cornwall Stodart lawyers Michelle McLean will serve as deputy.

"The old board has been replaced, today is about turning a new leaf," Mr Merlino said.

Emergency Services Minister, James Merlino has announced the new CFA board while at the Cranbourne CFA station. Photo: Jason South

Emergency Services Minister, James Merlino has announced the new CFA board while at the Cranbourne CFA station. Photo: Jason South

The CFA Act states that the board should be made up of nine people, including four volunteer representatives.

The four volunteers are yet to be nominated, but the minister said the board was now operational.

The opposition quickly moved to put pressure on the new board threatening that, if it won the next election in 2018, it would be sacked if it endorsed the deal.

"If this board of Daniel Andrews stooges accepts the EBA, then an elected Liberal Nationals government will sack this board after the next election," Shadow Emergency Services minister Brad Battin said.

"This is not a fresh start, this is a political stitch-up by a bully.”

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