The CFA dispute is still raging out of con
trol despite state cabinet’s decision to review the proposed EBA, Member for South West Coast Roma Britnell says.
Mrs Britnell supports the CFA Board’s decision, refusing to sign off on Premier Daniel Andrews’ secret backroom deal which will diminish the role of volunteers.
“The Premier has only put out a spot fire with Monday’s back down, but this issue has become an inferno which is still burning out of control,” Mrs Britnell said.
Mrs Britnell questioned the Andrews Government’s decision, saying it was a tactic to delay any deal until after the Federal Election.
“If there is nothing wrong with this EBA and it makes no changes to the role of volunteers, why would a senior Labor Government minister engage in a public dispute with her Premier?” she said.
“Daniel Andrews’ cabinet are at war with themselves and Victoria’s hardworking volunteers.
“The Emergency Services Minister’s actions over the past few weeks are a testament to the fundamental issues with the EBA.
“Daniel Andrews is only concerned about looking after his union mates at the expense of families in the south-west.”
Mrs Britnell says the last minute review increases the anxiety of volunteers when all they want is the backing of the Premier.
“Premier Andrews has created this chaos and he must fix it,” she said.
“By backing the union, he has angered 60,000 dedicated volunteers and caused a split in his own government.”
A rally of CFA volunteers from across the south-west Victoria will be held in Warrnambool on Friday. Volunteers wishing to participate can meet at Swan Reserve (next to KFC) from 12 noon. The rally will finish at Cannon Hill.
