Liberal Nationals introduce Bill to protect CFA volunteers

Shadow Minister for Emergency Services, Brad Battin
While Daniel Andrews continues to wage war with our volunteer firefighters, the Liberal Nationals today introduced legislation to protect them.
In the Legislative Council today, the Liberal Nationals moved an amendment to the Country Fire Authority Act 1958 that aims to protect the rights of our volunteers who are currently under siege by the Andrews Labor Government.
The bill will amend the Country Fire Authority Act 1958 to:
• Recognise the CFA as a volunteer-based organisation;
• Recognise the authority’s requirement to have regard to the Volunteer Charter and the principles and commitment contained therein;
• Restrict the authority entering any deed, agreement or arrangement that may adversely affect volunteers and or avoid the application of any Commonwealth or Victorian law.
This Bill aims to strengthen the Volunteer Charter signed by the then Liberal Nationals Government in 2011 that the current Labor Government has since allowed to be weakened.

Quotes attributable to Shadow Minister for Emergency Services, Brad Battin:
Daniel Andrews chooses war; well the Liberal Nationals choose to standby our volunteers and fight for their rights.
The Liberal Nationals will continue to work to protect our 57,000 hardworking volunteers who protect the lives and property of millions of Victorians.
These brave women and men give up their time and risk their lives for us, and the Andrews Labor Government treats them with utter contempt.

Media contact:      Michael Lewis         0433 495 454         michael.lewis@opposition.vic.gov.au