By Derek Schlennstedt
The State Labor Government’s controversial CFA Bill that would see Victoria’s fire services split in two, has stalled in the Upper House after the Legislative Council voted in support of the Liberal Nationals’ motion to refer the bill to a committee for review.
On 20 June, the State Government gave in to pressure from a selected few cross benchers who demanded more consultation be undertaken regarding the State Government’s bill.
The bill would split the CFA into a volunteer-only organisation and send career firefighters into the MFB to create Fire Services Victoria and would also see firefighters receive cancer compensation.
Liberal Coalition MP Brad Battin said it offered an opportunity for Labor MPs to raise concerns over the bill.
“This is an opportunity for Labor MPs like Danielle Green, Mary-Anne Thomas, Sharon Knight, Maree Edwards, Geoff Howard and Josh Bull to stand up for their communities and to tell this Melbourne-centric premier that splitting up the CFA is not acceptable.”
“Daniel Andrews has tried to ram this bill through without any consultation because he knows this legislation will tear apart the CFA and put the lives and property of Victorians at risk,” said Mr Battin in a statement.
The bill, created to restructure the agencies, was sent to a committee on 22 June, and will not be voted on until after the review is handed down on 8 August.
This committee is made up of eight MPs, three government MPs, three opposition MPs, a Greens MP, and a crossbench MP.
A government spokesperson from Mr Merlino’s office stated they were looking forward to return the bill to parliament.
“This is a strong bill and we look forward to it returning to the parliament.”
“Our priority is the safety of all Victorians and ensuring our fire services can meet the fast growing needs of the state.”
“It is common practice for bills before the parliament to be sent to a committee for further consideration,” the spokesperson stated.
