The Victorian state government has done everything it could to aid and abet the politicisation of the state’s fire fighting forces.
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We have heard constantly that the actions of volunteers have been reined in.
Some have very publicly left the CFA fed up with interference that has been perceived as a quest for union control. The state government has been dragged by the nose by a very effective and militant union.
Along the way, this has rightly or wrongly impacted on the CFA. The current criticism being levelled at the CFA over management tactics in the Bunyip fires has no precedent. Usually, the community warmly embraces the actions of those in the CFA frontline.
The CFA is certainly correct to protect the welfare of its members, however, its plausibility is being challenged. Is this the result of constant media and political comment or is the CFA stretched by the fact that over 3500 volunteers have left under the Andrews government?
Certainly, lessons learnt and implemented due to the Black Friday fires are in many cases impinging on CFA operations.
UNBELIEVABLE
It beggars belief that cattle loading and unloading facilities at some saleyards and abattoirs are substandard. With the animal welfare spotlight strongly on these facilities, the stupidity is blatant. The major problem is that the Livestock and Rural Transporters Association of Victoria which can provide plans and construction information are not being consulted. These are the very people who are at the forefront of animal welfare and the personal safety of operators and their staff.
