Ryan backs CFA bill

The Victorian Nationals and Liberals have introduced legislation to protect Victoria’s CFA volunteers Member for Euroa and Deputy Leader of The Nationals Steph Ryan said this week.

Ms Ryan said the Nationals moved an amendment to the Country Fire Authority Act 1958 that aims to protect the rights of 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 volunteer-based organisation;

Recognise the authority’s requirement to have regard to the Volunteer Charter and the principles and commitment contained therein; and

Restrict the authority entering any deed, agreement or arrange-

●●●a ment that may adversely affect volunteers and or avoid the application of any Commonwealth or Victorian law.

Ms Ryan said while Daniel Andrews continued to wage war with Victoria’s volunteer firefighters, it was the Nationals’ priority to protect them.

‘‘This Bill aims to strengthen the Volunteer Charter that the Nationals signed when in govern- ment in 2011,’’ Ms Ryan said.

‘‘The current Labor Government has since allowed the volunteer charter to be weakened, placing dodgy deals with union mates above our hardworking volunteers.

‘‘These brave women and men give up their time and risk their lives for us and they deserve to be treated with respect by their government.’’