Victorian Emergency Services Minister Jane Garrett has resigned from Daniel Andrews’ cabinet, following the dispute over the Enterprise Agreement with the Country Fire Authority.
Ms Garrett, who has been at odds with the Premier over the dispute, has consistently backed CFA management which is refusing to sign a controversial pay deal with the United Firefighters Union due to various concerns – including breaches of human rights laws.
Ms Garrett made a brief comment on her resignation on twitter. “It has been an extraordinary privilege to serve in my ministerial role which I leave with a heavy heart,’’ she said.
Premier Andrews released a brief statement on Friday morning confirming Ms Garrett had stood down.
“I have accepted the resignation of Jane Garrett from the cabinet,’’ he said. “Despite all concerns previously raised by Ms Garrett being addressed, she has indicated she refuses to support cabinet proposals to end the long-running dispute over the CFA Enterprise Agreement.”
The 43-year-old member for Brunswick was elected in 2010 and spent her first four years in opposition working on policy. She will now lose her emergency services, consumer affairs and gaming portfolios.
– with other agencies