Hit on CFA intensifies

The need to support CFA volunteers with the establishment of an independent body grows by the day as they suffer another resignation. State Liberal Member for Eildon Cindy McLeish stands by the Liberal Nationals commitment to restore the CFA as Board Chair Member, Greg Smith, resigns after refusing to sign Labor’s destructive CFA/FRV secondment agreement.

This is one on a long list of casualties. Over 20 CFA leaders have resigned or been sacked since Daniel Andrews take over with the commencement of the new union-led organisation, Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV).

Ms McLeish said, “How many more people will be sacked or resign as a result of Daniel Andrews’ campaign to destroy the CFA? Daniel Andrews’ handpicked Greg Smith for the role and now won’t sign off on Labor’s dodgy deal that sells out our CFA volunteers.”

“So many of the CFA leadership team are clearly against this move. It strips the CFA of their identity and power. The Premier has refused to listen to this clear message as we lose more and more CFA members.”

The CFA will become a second-class citizen, compared to the union-dominated FRV. Even the CFA’s leadership will wear FRV uniforms – showing the CFA volunteers who they really work for.

By declaring war on CFA volunteers, Daniel Andrews has paid back his mates in the unions, but he has weakened Victoria.

Earlier this month the Liberal Nationals committed that within the first 100 days of being elected will introduce legislation to restore the CFA’s power to select, recruit and manage its own staff and wear the CFA uniform. This Legislation will enhance the CFA’s powers and responsibilities for the ongoing delivery of fire services in current CFA areas.

“The Liberal Nationals are committing to ensuring the CFA remains a strong and independent volunteer fire service,” Ms McLeish concludes.