CFA’s low morale

MP backs volunteers

MORALE at the Country Fire Authority is at its lowest going into peak fire season, a Liberal MP has warned.

Western Victoria MP Simon Ramsay said CFA volunteers had warned him they were preparing to turn out to fight fires with increasingly dampened spirits.

“Morale is at an all-time low,” the Upper House MP said.

“There is never a good time for such a problem, least still on the eve of what is looming as a dangerous fire season. Fuel loads are high.

“The dispute with the Andrews Government and the CFA has drained enthusiasm from our volunteers — the very people who will face these fires on our behalf.”

Mr Ramsay blamed the “relentless pursuit of control” of Victorian fire services by the United Firefighters Union for the dropping morale.

“To blame, is the continuing brawl courtesy of the Andrews Government and the United Firefighters Union,” he said.

“They punch at the very stuff that has made country Victoria great – our volunteers.

“They question their capacity. They claw at their selflessness. This situation cannot continue.”

The head of the CFA has revealed allegations of bullying, assault and corruption had been referred to police and the anti-corruption watchdog following a damning report into the Victorian fire services.

The leaked report exposed a culture of workplace harassment at the CFA and Metropolitan Fire Brigade including claims of rape, intimidation and threats against workers.

Last month, Opposition leader Matthew Guy promised a royal commission to probe Victoria’s fire services and their industrial relations chaos, should the Coalition win next year’s state election.