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Victorian Parliament condemned for cutting feminine hygiene services for CFA volunteers in Erica with reinstatement and demanded

State Parliament criticised the withdrawal of feminine hygiene services for Erica's female CFA volunteers, citing disrespect and inconsistency with diversity policies. Minister's response deemed inadequate; reinstatement demanded.

By news@gippsland - 7th February 2024 - Back to News

A lack of respect for Erica's female CFA volunteer firefighters was called out in State Parliament after it was exposed the station's feminine hygiene disposal service was being withdrawn. During Question Time, The Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath took the Minister for Emergency Services to task for Labor's penny pinching decision to cut female sanitary services in rural stations.

Allan Labor government's cancellation of feminine hygiene service at Erica CFA station angers and disrespects female firefighters where female membership is approaching 50% of this active and fabulous brigade

Sanitary service reversal

Ms Bath said, "The sanitary bin collection service had been in place at the Erica station since 2011 and the cancellation of it flies in the face of dignity and respect. A suggested plastic bin and bag as an alternative is a backwards step for attracting women to the CFA. With membership close to 50 per cent, the female volunteers are justifiably incensed that this decision is at odds with the governments' stated CFA diversity and inclusion policy," said Ms Bath.

In response to Ms Bath's questioning, Minister Symes admitted she had been aware of the service cancellation impacting female volunteers since the end of last year. Ms Bath said despite being aware for two months, Minister Symes has allowed the cost cutting exercise that also impacts other CFA volunteer brigades to go ahead.

Value female firefighters

Ms Bath also said, "The Minister's response stating, "it was a matter for individual brigades" is poor form - our female volunteer firefighters deserve to be valued for the work they do protecting our communities. The Allan Labor government is broke and to save a couple of dollars it has endorsed the removal of a personal hygiene service."

"This move shows Labor can't manage money and it certainly can't support our female CFA volunteer firefighters. The Allan Labor government must stop penny pinching from volunteers and immediately reinstate the CFA's sanitary bin collection service for female firefighters," she said.

Pictures from Melina Bath MP Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com