Liberal plan to rebuild the CFA

Liberal Member for Eildon, Cindy McLeish MP together with Shadow Minister for Emergency Services, Nick Wakeling, have launched the online consultation process with local CFA brigade members and volunteers to Rebuild the CFA.

This consultation process is part of the Victorian Liberals’ Plan to Rebuild the CFA, with direct input provided by local CFA brigade members and volunteers as to how the CFA can be improved for frontline volunteers.

Ms McLeish said, “The Liberals believe that the Andrews Government has undermined the CFA as an independent, volunteer-based firefighting service with the commencement of the new union-led organisation, Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV).

“We are deeply concerned that over recent years that thousands of CFA volunteers have left the service since Labor started this war against the CFA.

“Local lives, homes and businesses are at stake if we let our local CFA community crumble apart.

“That’s why the Michael O’Brien-led Victorian Liberal team have a plan to REBUILD THE CFA.

“We want to hear from CFA volunteers about what works and what could be improved with our current system.

“I’m also asking community members to stand with our local CFA volunteers and show their support by signing the petition at www.rebuildthecfa.com.au/.”

The Liberals’ Plan to Rebuild the CFA 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 Michael O’Brien

-led Victorian Liberal team will be consulting with Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV), CFA brigades and volunteers across Victoria to identify the essential powers, people and resources that are needed to rebuild and restore the CFA.

CFA volunteers are being asked to provide their direct input on how to best rebuild the CFA and can do so now via the website www.rebuildthecfa.com.au/volunteer/.

Local in-person consultations will commence when it is safe to do so.

Community members wishing to show their support for their local CFA volunteers are also being asked to sign the petition at www.rebuildthecfa.com.au/.