Victorian firefighters are ignoring their unions advice to speak out about discrimination, sexism and bullying in the CFA and MFB.

The Victorian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission launched its review into the fire services on Tuesday.

The United Firefighters Union has urged its members not to participate in the review.

However, Victoria’s Human Rights Commissioner Kristen Hilton told Neil Mitchell more than 500 had already come forward.

‘The review provides people with a range of ways to tell their story and talk about their experiences,’ she explained on 3AW.

‘Obviously the very early indications are that there’s a real appetitie to do that.

‘I think this is a fantastic opportunity to hear directly from fire personnel.’

Click PLAY below to hear the full interview on 3AW Mornings