As I have received a lot of questions and heckling as to who is on my team and helping with the development of these Award proposals for members to consider, I will answer this question now.
Who’s in my team? My four running mates, several current SCOM, several former SCOM, and several (not one – several) former staff, all of whom have more combined experience and legacy between them than anyone else currently working in this space in FRNSW.
My team is not exclusive however, you the members are a part of that team. You the members are the most important players as ultimately you get the final say on anything we put forward. None of us own what the collective views of members are. One of the reasons I’m running for State Secretary is to give a voice to the thousands of firefighters who are not happy with the strategy, direction, and culture under the current leadership of our Union.
Ultimately, that’s what informed our plan for these Awards, that’s who “wrote” our Awards.
I want to make the point that two of the candidates on my team (Jim Casey and Travis Broadhurst) designed, edited, and advocated with members and the IRC around several Awards. It’s not easy, I admit, but it’s not rocket science either.
But let’s be honest here and stop dancing around smear campaigns and innuendo. There is an unhealthy obsession currently being trundled out in relation to Chris Read as this monster under the stairs. To those who seek to portray this picture, I ask this question. Have you ever met Chris ?
If so, have you ever had a working relationship with him ? If not then how does one form such strong opinions to someone they have never met ?
Chris Read was a very successful FBEU State Secretary for over a decade, and the FBEU senior industrial officer for 15 years after that. Nobody has more experience and knowledge of our awards and Union. He’s an active life member who is still in the job and yes, he (along with many other people) are supporting our team. But Chris is not a candidate and he has not agreed to return to the Union office.
So instead of continuing on with this line about who’s who in the zoo, let’s talk instead about issues that matter to members.
Issues like why our annual wage rise is late again for 4 years running, or why in 2021 we rolled over and copped just 0.3% – our lowest pay rise in over 30 years.
I will not be dictated to by anyone on who I can and can’t work with and talk to. I am and will be working with anyone that brings sound and wise input to the table.
If elected I will bring the fractured internal groups back together.
One of the biggest positives I bring to this table is that I wasn’t directly involved in the internal politics since Leighton Drury came to office. I come with fresh eyes and ears and I’m here to clean the slate of all that has marred our Union in recent times.
The tribal wars must stop, and that can only happen with a vote for Wilmott/Casey team.
Dane Wilmott
Candidate for State Secretary
Wilmott-Casey 24 