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New CFA Volunteer Charter

The Nationals Member for Morwell Russell Northe has welcomed the new Volunteer Charter for CFA volunteers.

By Russell Northe - 4th March 2011 - Back to News

"The importance of Country Fire Authority (CFA) volunteers to the safety and wellbeing of Victorians has been formally recognised with the signing of the new Volunteer Charter," Mr Northe said. Mr Northe said the Volunteer Charter was signed by the Premier and Deputy Premier during a ceremony at the Upper Ferntree Gully CFA Station alongside CFA Chairman Kerry Murphy and Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV) President Hans Van Hamond. The Charter acknowledges that volunteers remain the core strength of the CFA and signatories to the Charter are committed to ensuring volunteers are fully and fairly consulted on issues that affect them. Mr Northe said the Coalition Government will enshrine the Volunteer Charter in legislation, giving real weight for the first time to the commitments documented between the State of Victoria, the CFA and VFBV. The Charter requires that the State of Victoria and the CFA consult with volunteers about all matters that may affect volunteers. The Charter also requires the CFA and its employees to:

• nurture and encourage volunteers and facilitate and develop their skills and competencies; and

• acknowledge that policy development and change should always be considered in terms of its potential to support and facilitate the volunteer contribution and the particular situation of local brigades.

"Special praise and thanks go to our CFA volunteers, those proud people, with proud traditions and through their continuing untiring efforts in protecting all Victorians.

"The signing of this charter is our chance to say thanks and ensure the interests and needs of volunteers are protected in the future," Mr Northe said.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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