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Bath fights for rights of CFA volunteersMelina Bath has come out fighting in parliament this week for the rights of the Country Fire Authority. By news@gippsland - 5th May 2016 - Back to News Member for Eastern Victoria Region Melina Bath has come out fighting in parliament this week for the rights of the Country Fire Authority following rows over a new Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA).Negotiations over the EBA have sparked concerns amongst volunteer firefighters particularly over the inclusion of a United Fire Fighters Union (UFU) veto board which would result in the CFA losing control over certain decisions regarding operations, equipment, clothing and vehicles.
"This goes against the Country Fire Authority Act 1958 which states that all brigades shall be under the order and control of the chief officer," Ms Bath told the parliament.
Ms Bath said she supported both paid and unpaid firefighters and was not against people receiving decent wages and working conditions however it was vital the CFA still retained independence.
"Taking control away from the CFA will crush the organisation and deter volunteers and these changes have been made so that Mr Andrews can pay back favours done for him during the election," she said.
Ms Bath has been contacted by a large number of concerned constituents over the issue and quoted, in parliament, one CFA volunteer with over 40 years of experience:
"The UFU should have no expectations that they can override the CFA board, the CEO, the chief officer on operational, resourcing or equipment decisions. Their EBA should not include anything that directly or even indirectly discriminates against volunteers or prevents the CFA from effectively supporting or deploying volunteers."
Ms Bath has now called on the Emergency Services Minister to meet with a Gippsland delegation to show her support for the CFA remaining autonomous and independent.
She said Gippsland had experienced many horrific fires including Black Saturday and for many smaller towns the CFA was the backbone of their communities with volunteers working hard to protect life and property.
"I hope that the Premier and the minister and parties can come to a sensible EBA agreement that respects and supports the Country Fire Authority and that keeps it remaining as an independent and autonomous body so that the CFA in turn can do what it does best, which is protecting our lives, protecting our homes and protecting our communities, and long may it do so into the future."
Caption 1:Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath with CFA members Peter Hanily (Koonwarra), Ross Considine (Koonwarra), Wayne Walker (Koonwarra), Hilco Zuidemia (Leongatha South), Darren Hardacre (Ruby) and Chris Buxton (Pound Creek).
Caption 2: Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath with Warragul CFA members Tim Moss and Brian Brewer.
Media Contact: Renee Switzer 5174 7066 Member for Eastern Victoria Region Melina Bath MP
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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South Gippsland Water is encouraging students to enter the 2026 National Water Week poster competition, promoting water conservation under the theme Water Heroes Make Every Drop Count. - Cape Paterson Indoor Bowls Group celebrates second anniversary with community spirit and strong local connections
The Cape Paterson Indoor Bowls Group celebrated its second anniversary, with Melina Bath praising members for fostering community connection, friendship, wellbeing and active social participation. - South Gippsland Remembrance Day services to be held in various locations and other council updates
South Gippsland marks Remembrance Day on 11 November with local services honouring veterans. Plus, free green waste disposal, festive giving initiatives, business support, community events, and engagement opportunities across the region this spring. - South Gippsland Shire Council invites the community to join the Garage Sale Trail on November and other projects
Australia's biggest second-hand treasure hunt returns this November across two weekends, offering households the chance to declutter and earn cash, while bargain hunters uncover unique finds and help divert goods from landfill. - South Gippsland Eat, Drink Play Festival celebrates local food, drinks, live music, kids' activities, and outdoor fun and other updates
Eat Drink Play Gippsland returns this spring at Leongatha Railway Precinct, showcasing regional food, drink, and live music. With daytime tastings, evening entertainment, and kids' activities, it's a family-friendly celebration of Gippsland. - South Gippsland Shire Council seeks nominations for Meeniyan Hub Community Asset Committee before 26 November deadline
Council invites nominations for the Meeniyan Hub Community Asset Committee. Forms available online or at Council offices. Submissions close 26 November, with inductions scheduled for the first week of December. - FOGO rolls out across Baw Baw, South Gippsland and Wellington Shires from early July
Baw Baw, South Gippsland and Wellington Shire councils will launch weekly FOGO collections in early July, helping households divert food and garden waste from landfill while supporting Victoria’s standardised recycling reforms. - Gippsland’s Great Southern Rail Trail passes charming villages, rolling hills, murals, waterfalls, and welcoming country hospitality
The Great Southern Rail Trail stretches 146 km through Gippsland, linking rolling hills, charming villages, art-filled streets, cider tastings, waterfalls, scenic lookouts, and unforgettable cycling and walking experiences.
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