Plan to rebuild CFA brigades

Member for Ripon Louise Staley and Victorian Opposition emergency services spokesman Nick Wakeling have launched online consultation with Country Fire Authority brigade members and volunteers.

The consultation is based on Coalition plans to rebuild the fire-fighting organisation if it wins power at the next state election.

The Plan to Rebuild the CFA would introduce legislation to restore the CFA’S power to select, recruit and manage its own staff and wear the CFA uniform.

Ms Staley said the legislation would enhance the CFA’S powers and responsibilities for the provision of fire services in CFA regions.

“The Michael O’brien-led Victorian Liberal team will be consulting with Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria, CFA brigades and volunteers across Victoria to identify the essential powers, people and resources that are needed to rebuild and restore the CFA,” she said.

Ms Staley said CFA volunteers were being asked to provide their direct input on how to best rebuild the CFA and could do so now via website www.rebuildthecfa.com.au/volunteer.

She said ‘local’ in-person consultations would start when it was safe.

“Community members wishing to show their support for their local CFA volunteers are also being asked to sign the petition at www. rebuildthecfa.com.au,” she said.

“The Liberals believe the Andrews government has undermined the CFA as an independent, volunteer-based fire-fighting service with the new union-led organisation, Fire Rescue Victoria. We are deeply concerned that over recent years thousands of CFA volunteers have left the service since Labor started this war against the CFA. Local lives, homes and businesses are at stake if we let our local CFA community crumble apart.

“I’m also asking community members to stand with our local CFA volunteers and show their support by signing a petition.”