Legislation that proposes tearing apart the CFA has been voted down in Parliament at the eleventh hour by The Nationals.
On Good Friday, the Andrews Labor Government attempted to ram through the Firefighters’ Presumptive Rights Compensation and Fire Services Legislation Amendment (Reform) Bill 2017, taking advantage of the fact that one member who had indicated she would oppose the bill was absent due to hospitalisation.
Member for Eastern Victorian Region, Melina Bath said the Andrews Labor Government had broken the CFA charter and shown a contemptuous disrespect for the CFA over the last three years.
“Year in, year out our CFA volunteers leave their families to fight fires, saves lives and keep us safe,” Ms Bath said.
“The Nationals have stood beside our volunteers against every attack waged on them by Daniel Andrews. Last sitting week, we won.”
Ms Bath said The Nationals remained committed to fulfilling their promise of ensuring all career and volunteer firefighters have equal access to cancer compensation.
“We will be introducing a Private Members Bill to fast-track presumptive rights legislation for all firefighters,” Ms Bath said.
“Despite this bipartisan support, Daniel Andrews bundled presumptive rights with his legislation to break up the CFA.
“Daniel Andrews did this knowing he did not have the numbers to pass his legislation and knowing this likely would delay access to compensation for firefighters with cancer.”
Ms Bath said Daniel Andrews and his city centric government did not place value on Victoria’s volunteers.
“Communities in regional Victoria survive and thrive because of the people who give their time and their skills to benefit others.
The Nationals will always support our hardworking volunteers whether they be CFA, SES, life savers or coast guard.”
