By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
WORKSAFE is in chaos ahead of its promised move to Geelong after Premeir Daniel Andrews sacked its chair and chief executive officer this week.
Mr Andrews asked for their resignations after further contamination was uncovered at a Country Fire Authority training college at Fiskville.
The United Firefighters Union predicts “more heads will roll” at the beleaguered authority, claiming officials knew of the safety dangers but failed to protect firefighters.
Mr Andrews has previously ordered a review into WorkSafe as well as the Geelong-headquartered Transport Accident Commission.
The Andrews Government confirmed two weeks ago that a full WorkSafe relocation would go ahead after the Independent revealed fears only 300 of its 550 jobs would come to Geelong.
Mr Andrews said he had “lost confidence“ in WorkSafe chief Denise Cosgrove and chair David Krasnostein.
WorkSafe had assured the Government in December that Fiskville was safe but a toxic chemical was found in the centre’s mains water this week, leading to its immediate closure.
Mr Andrews said he would “not accept incompetence”.
Fiskville has endured a litany of safety concerns, including a link to a cancer cluster and fears firefighters were exposed to carcinogenic chemicals dating back to the 1970s.
Finance Minister Robin Scott said confidence in public regulators must be uncompromised.
“The public needs to have confidence in WorkSafe because it’s responsible for the health and safety of Victorian workers.
“An assurance of safety was given. The Fiskville findings prove otherwise.”
WorkSafe insurance business unit director Clare Amies was appointed acting chief executive, while TAC chairman and WorkSafe board member John Walter will be acting chairperson.
