MPs slam ‘flawed’ firefighter laws

PMs Brian Paynter and Brad Battin visited the Koo Wee Rup Fire Brigade to discuss the future of Victoria's fire services.

Bass MP Brian Paynter joined Shadow Minister for Emergency Services Brad Battin to meet local fire fighters and community members from Koo Wee Rup to listen to their thoughts on the future of their fire services on Monday 20 November.
They claimed a recent parliamentary inquiry said that the Andrews Labor government failed to consult firefighters before introducing “flawed” legislation in an attempted political fix for the fire services.
The Liberal National Coalition MPs said they want to ensure that policies place community safety at the forefront and are developed in full consultation with the men and women who have been protecting Victoria for decades.
“This visit forms part of the Coalition’s state-wide tour to consult with and listen to fire fighters on the ground, particularly the 60,000 volunteers ignored by Daniel Andrew and James Merlino,” Mr Battin said.
“In order to build a strong fire service for the future it is important that we drive around the state to listen and work with our firefighters on the ground.
“The safety of our local communities and firefighters is too important to be traded for political favours from the UFU,” he said.