This week in Parliament, the Victorian Liberal Nationals moved to oppose provisions in the Police and Emergency Legislation Amendment Bill 2020 that would significantly impact on CFA volunteers in Gippsland.
Under the proposed changes, the Andrews Labor Government is seeking 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 as well as failing to abide by the process required in its own legislation.
Victorians have lost confidence in the Andrews Labor Government to govern Victoria as he once again sells out our dedicated CFA volunteers.
Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Emergency Services, Nick Wakeling:
“The Andrews Labor Government is continuing its ongoing war with Victoria’s hardworking CFA volunteers.
“Without any consultation, Andrews is seeking to expand the operation of union-led Fire Rescue Victoria staff at the expense of volunteers.
“Worst still, these changes breach provisions in the legislation established last year by the Andrews Labor Government.
“Only the Liberal Nationals will stand up for Victoria’s thousands of CFA volunteers.”
