Monday 29th May 2017
Leader of The Nationals and Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh has slammed the Andrews Labor Government decision to integrate the Presumptive Rights Compensation with its plans to split the CFA.
The “Firefighters’ Presumptive Rights Compensation and Fire Services Legislation Amendment (Reform) Bill 2017 was introduced to parliament last week and combines both issues in the one piece of legislation.
Mr Walsh said that in a new political low Daniel Andrews has linked cancer compensation for firefighters to his bid to boost union power.
“This is a move that no morally competent government would make and a reprehensible attempt from this divisive Premier to ram through his plans to break up the CFA “ Mr Walsh said.
Mr Walsh said The Nationals strongly support helping fire fighters and their families who are dealing with the stresses of cancer caused through their service.
“We would like to see presumptive legislation passed as a matter of urgency.
“If Daniel Andrews had even a shred of decency he would immediately split these bills and put people before politics.”
Mr Walsh said that the United Firefighters Union (UFU) and its secretary Peter Marshall for whatever reason now have control of Daniel Andrews.
“Let’s not forget either that the two highest people in the current CFA – Chief Steve Warrington and Francis Diver are hand selected by Daniel Andrews.
“This Labor government that was elected on the back of the UFU has shown absolute contempt for the rights of volunteer firefighters to debate their future without fear or favour “ Mr Walsh said.
