This week in Parliament, the Andrews Labor Government with the support of the Greens and some independents, rammed through provisions in the Police and Emergency Legislation Amendment Bill 2020 that will significantly impact on CFA volunteers in Gippsland.
Under the proposed changes, the Andrews Labor Government wants to expand the boundaries of permanent Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) staff based in Moe without any consultation with local CFA brigades.
This action will particularly impact on the work of neighbouring volunteer CFA brigades in Westbury and Trafalgar.
Worst still, under laws introduced by the Andrews Government in 2019 to establish FRV, any changes in boundaries for FRV stations can only occur after consideration by the government’s Fire District Review Panel.
These new boundary changes were not considered by this new panel – because the government is yet to establish the panel.
Consistent with the Andrews Labor Government’s approach of attacking the CFA, the government failed to consult with CFA volunteers and failed to abide by the process required in its own legislation.
Victorians have lost confidence in the Andrews Labor Government to govern Victoria, as Daniel Andrews once again sells out our dedicated CFA volunteers.
Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Emergency Services, Nick Wakeling:
“This action by the Andrews Labor Government is just another attack on our hard working CFA volunteers.
“Daniel Andrews needs to end his ongoing war with CFA volunteers.
“Due to actions of the Andrews Government, Victoria’s emergency services are underprepared for the upcoming fire season which is placing lives and properties at great risk.”
