FIRST it was nine in 10 farmers sounding the alarm, now Country Fire Authority volunteers are sending the same warning to the Labor government.
More than 2000 CFA volunteers who took part in the annual Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria survey and the overall response was clear – they feel undervalued and ignored by the Allan Labor government.
It comes hot on the heels of a Victorian Farmers Federation survey, which found nine in 10 farmers don’t believe the government understands local issues or has a positive plan to grow the agriculture industry.
Clearly, we have a problem and the city/regional divide widens.
The CFA volunteer slap down of Labor was particularly alarming as it slugs Victorians with a new $3 billion in emergency services tax.
Volunteers clearly don’t believe the government’s rhetoric about supporting appliances and new stations, with the survey recording the worst ever result on that issue.
All the evidence shows that tax is about filling budget black holes, not supporting our frontline firefighters.
The Nationals and Liberals will scrap it if elected next year, while restoring the independence of the CFA and giving respect back to our volunteers.
Labor can’t manage emergency services and Victorians are paying the price.
Danny O’Brien,
Leader of The Nationals
