The Nationals’ Melina Bath has called out the Allan Labor Government for frustrating delays to new CFA volunteer recruit training in state parliament.
Ms Bath told the parliament Labor must expedite the initial fire training so new recruits can get out on the fireground and serve our communities.
“New CFA recruits build capacity in Victoria’s emergency services system and our regional communities desperately need them.
“In eastern Victoria the landscape is incredibly dry and the bushfire risk leading into easter remains high.
“The Allan Government should not be delaying this critical training – it is essential new volunteers are upskilled to perform the role they signed up for without the unnecessary bureaucratic red tape.
“The survival of our regional Victorian communities is intrinsically linked to our local CFA volunteers who provide a surge capacity workforce.
“The delays that have been reported to me have been up to five months just to complete a general firefighting course – it’s completely unacceptable.”
Ms Bath said for over a decade Labor has disrespected our CFA volunteers.
“Many local brigades are struggling with substandard facilities that are not fit for purpose and out dated equipment including firefighting trucks that are well past their used by date.
“Labor must expediate the initial firefighting training to ensure our new recruits are active in their local brigade ready to serve their community.”
The Minister for Emergency Services’ response is due 21 March 2025.
