MEMBER for Ripon Louise Staley said she supports Country Fire Authority volunteers who protested on Saturday against proposed changes to the Authority’s operations.
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More than 400 firetrucks and vehicles descended on Parliament House in Melbourne to protest against potential changes.
The United Firefighters Union, which represents professional firefighters, has demanded veto powers over the Authority’s decision making during operations.
They are demands volunteers in the Authority are opposing.
Ms Staley pledged her support for the volunteer firefighters who she said faced not having a say in how the Authority is run.
She backed backed the 1000 volunteers from across country Victoria, who were at the protest at Parliament House.
She said she stood shoulder-to-shoulder with brigades including, those from Ararat, Maryborough, St Arnaud, Snake Valley, Stawell, Beaufort, Skipton and Carisbrook.
“The communities across the seat of Ripon were solely protected by Volunteer CFA firefighters who need our full support,” she said.
“Ripon is home to 95 CFA fire brigades, which are entirely made up of volunteers.
“If not for the CFA we would be totally unprotected from fires.”
Ms Staley also said the volunteers had to have a say in how their brigades were run,
“Volunteers firefighters need our support,” she said.
“If they don’t get a say in their organisation, then we run the risk of losing them.
“A union takeover of the CFA will lead to local volunteers being sidelined and pushed out – our community simply cannot afford this.
“If the CFA loses the service of local volunteers, then who else can country Victorians turn to protect our homes?
“Daniel Andrews is too concerned, with snatching power for his union mates than looking after our state.
She said the Liberal’s were committed to standing up for country firefighters.
Country Fire Authority Region 16 Operations Manager Chris Eagle said there was still little information available about the proposed changes.
“No definitive decision has been presented to us about what will happen,” he said. “It is not something we are influencing.”
Minister for Emergency Services Jane Garrett’s office did respond to phone calls before the Advertiser went to print.