Today, the Minister for Emergency Services announced the introduction of Fire Services Reform legislation into the Victorian Parliament which, if passed, will herald significant reform to the way fire services are delivered in Victoria.
CFA has a long and proud history of service to the community and we see these reforms as a great opportunity to improve fire services to the whole community. This includes enhancing the role of volunteers and building a stronger CFA in partnership with Fire Rescue Victoria.
Together, we will put the community at the centre of everything we do. This is both a strategic goal of the CFA and an objective of the legislation.
CFA also welcomes the proposed laws to give all firefighters equal access to compensation for cancers contracted while in the line of duty. This means all firefighters will have greater certainty in being able to access compensation benefits for specified cancers.
CFA members will be front of mind for our leadership team as we work through the changes and we commit to engaging extensively with volunteers, career firefighters and staff through the process.
Safety is, and will remain, our number one priority. The implementation of the reforms will not disrupt the provision of vital services to the Victorian community.
We are confident that these reforms present an opportunity for CFA to grow as a community-based volunteer organisation.
Gavin Freeman
Acting CEO/CO
