News

Report recommends abandoning fire services split

Monday 21 August 2017

A parliamentary Committee has recommended the Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC) be referred for investigation for interfering in an inquiry into Victoria’s fire services.

The Legislative Council Fire Services Bill Select Committee report was handed down on Friday, also recommending the Andrews Labor Government’s fire services Bill is withdrawn from parliament.

Nationals Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy said the report made clear Daniel Andrews had failed to properly consult emergency service organisations, staff and volunteers on its plan to split the Country Fire Authority.

“Our CFA brigades should be focused on preparing for the fire season, not Daniel Andrews’ plans to tear our fire services apart,” Mr McCurdy said.

“A key question this report raises is whether Daniel Andrews, his office or members of his government knew of or directed DPC to politically interfere with the Committee.”

The Committee said the Andrews Labor Government’s consultation on the Bill had been “inadequate” and “in the case of consultation with volunteers, in contravention of the CFA Act”.

Mr McCurdy said Daniel Andrews had treated CFA volunteers with contempt throughout the whole process.

“Daniel Andrews claims to be listening to our Ovens Valley communities, but he’s stone deaf when community concerns don’t suit his own agenda,” Mr McCurdy said.

“Daniel Andrews is playing politics with the safety of Victorians. The Liberal Nationals will protect those who protect us.”