Wednesday 22 November 2017
Funding for CFA’s main communication tool to volunteers Fire Wise will be reinstated under a Liberal Nationals Government Leader of The Nationals and Member for Murray Plains said today.
The publication which began in 1947 and is distributed to 1300 brigades was suddenly cancelled last week without explanation or consultation.
Mr Walsh said the cut comes just one week after the publication reported on the need for the Royal Commission into Victoria’s fire services announced by The Nationals and Liberals.
“Fire Wise is used by Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV) the CFA Chief EMV Commissioner Craig Lapsley and local volunteers to communicate messages on issues which affect volunteers” Ms Walsh said.
“This includes information on service delivery volunteer awards and coming fire services events and I fear that if the publication is reduced to an online presence it will miss hundreds of volunteers across our region who rely on the hard copy.
“This is just one more step in Daniel Andrews plan to tear the CFA apart by gagging volunteer engagement and participation in fire service delivery.
“If elected next year we will restore funding for this long running publication so it can continue to provide information to all volunteers.”
Shadow Emergency Services Minister Brad Battin said it was clear Daniel Andrews would continue to silence and disrespect volunteers as he works to destroy the CFA.
“Just last week Fire Wise was reporting on the need for a Royal Commission into Victoria’s fire services and then by coincidence Daniel Andrews announces he’s cut their funding- a new low even for Labor.
“Only the Liberals and Nationals will ensure all fire fighters including volunteers have the resources to have their voices heard” Mr Battin said.