The Liberal Party MLA said he would continue to attend CFA functions in his Wodonga-based electorate despite the fire service’s directive.

The CFA on Wednesday sent an email to brigades after Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull visited a station on Monday to promote his legislation protecting volunteers caught in an industrial fight.

“The email in question simply reinforced a long held protocol ensuring CFA assets and brigades are not used for political purposes,” a spokesman said.

“It is important they remain free from politicking and electioneering."

“Brigades are free to invite local MPs, including those from the Opposition, to functions and other events.

“Official events such as station openings and truck handovers are traditionally the preserve of the government of the day.”

Mr Tilley, who plans to attend Wodonga’s fireman’s ball on Saturday, said it appeared the Victorian government had leaned on the CFA.

“It’s puerile what the government is doing and it’s disappointing and paranoid to think they can silence us,” he said.

The Nationals Ovens Valley MLA Tim McCurdy shared Mr Tilley’s dissatisfaction but said he would be wary in future CFA dealings.

“I’m not about to put the local CFA in a position where they’re uncomfortable about inviting me because they’re between a rock and a hard place,” Mr McCurdy said.

“I’ll continue to speak out publicly, but it’s no good putting them in a position where they feel uncomfortable.

“They’re soldiers, they’re doing a job, they’re under instruction.”

Meanwhile, Mr McCurdy will table a petition in parliament next week stating: “Premier Daniel Andrews must not hand control of the CFA to the United Firefighters Union”.

About 850 people signed the document over a five-week period after it was placed at Mr McCurdy’s office in Wangaratta, which is Mr Andrews’ hometown.