BURNING ISSUE THAT NEEDS A ROYAL COMMISSION

MORALE at the Country Fire Authority is at an all-time low.

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.

Many CFA volunteers are telling me that the while brigade volunteers will turn out to fight fires, they are doing so with diminishing morale.

These are the men and women for whom the CFA has been a central part of their lives. They’re shaking their heads.

To blame is the continuing brawl courtesy of the Andrews Government and the United Firefighters Union. 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.

Unfortunately, relentless pursuit of control by the UFU of fire services in Victoria through a new EBA can only be stopped by a royal commission into our fire services. It will expose the push by the UFU secretary Peter Marshall for total control.

We all remember the UFU’s presence at polling booths during the last state election.

These are the consequences.