Tuesday 23 August 2016
Member for Murray Plains and Leader of The Nationals Peter Walsh has welcomed a Federal Government proposal that would protect CFA volunteers from a hostile union takeover.
The Turnbull Coalition Government’s proposed Respect for Emergency Services Volunteers Bill would amend the Fair Work Act to prevent EBAs interfering with the important work of our emergency services volunteers.
It follows a prolonged attack from Daniel Andrews to hand control of the volunteer organisation to the militant United Firefighters Union.
“It is shameful that Daniel Andrews’ actions have forced us to this point “ Mr Walsh said.
“I welcome the Federal Government’s proposed changes to the Fair Work Act but I am saddened that such extreme measures are necessary to protect the invaluable work of our 60 000 CFA volunteers.”
Last week the Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV) won a bid to delay a vote on the controversial CFA EBA.
The VFBV will challenge the current EBA in the Victorian Supreme Court in particular the legality of veto clauses which transfer power from the CFA’s chief fire officer to the United Firefighters Union (UFU).
“In the lead-up to fire season our volunteers should be focusing on preparing to defend our communities against the threat of bushfire – not an attack from Daniel Andrews’ Labor Government “ Mr Walsh said.
Mr Walsh commended the work of his Federal Nationals colleagues for their fierce advocacy on behalf of our CFA volunteers.
The bill will be tabled at the first sitting of Federal Parliament when it returns in the final week of August.
