Mates on board

In a submission to the Victorian Parliament, the United Firefighters Union Australia (UFUA) has demanded the removal of volunteer fire-fighter representatives from the CFA board.
In their place the UFUA would replace volunteer representatives with their own handpicked mates.
Clearly, the UFUA are calling in the political favours owed to them by Premier Daniel Andrews, putting at risk the very foundation of our rural and regional fire services in Victoria – our volunteers.
The CFA board makes important decisions that have a direct impact on community safety and is responsible for one of the world’s largest volunteer organisations.
Volunteers make up 97 per cent of the CFA.
Obviously, volunteer representation on this board is crucial to ensuring the people who truly serve our community are well looked after.
Already, CFA volunteers have contacted me seeking assurances from Premier Daniel Andrews that he won’t cave in to the UFUA’s demands.
Our CFA volunteers give so much to serve rural and regional communities across Victoria and we rely on them in the hours of our greatest need.
Daniel Andrews must guarantee volunteer positions will remain on the CFA board to ensure our local volunteers’ voices are respected and heard.
Cindy McLeish,
State Member for Eildon.