Campaign of untruths and playing the political game in the firefighters’ EBA
IN response to the letters to the editor from Bruce McKay (September 2, 2016).
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I am in dismay as to the contents of Bruce McKay’s letter.
He claims volunteers are not attacking the conditions of career firefighters in one paragraph, and then in a couple of paragraphs later he is banging on about hours of work, superannuation and retirement ages.
This highlights the entire campaign of the VFBV’s untruths and ignorance playing the game of their political masters, the LNP.
The opposition to the proposed EBA for career firefighters is nothing more than a beat up.
If Mr McKay and the VFBV care to read clause 7A.1 that states “The role of volunteers in rural and regional Victoria are not altered by this agreement”. What is clearer than that?
I have a good working knowledge of the proposed EBA, so yes, I do know what I’m talking about.
I work in an integrated fire brigade with fantastic relationships formed over many years with volunteers.
The volunteers and career staff together have the utmost desire to protect our community and beyond, in the following disciplines:
- Confined space rescue;
- High angle rope rescue;
- LPG flare off;
- Operation of aerial appliances;
- Soon to be emergency medical response;
- Protective equipment;
- Ground observing;
- Air observing;
- Structural and wildfire firefighting, and;
- Many more specialised areas.
Finally, I think it’s only fair seeing that all and sundry think they have a right of input into my EBA, I put this to you for your consideration.
If any opponents of the EBA would care to forward me a copy of their EBA, employment contract or business plan, I would be more than happy to provide critical analysis.
- Glenn Ravenhall, Senior Station Officer at Traralgon (former resident of Ararat)
Farmers can now breathe collective sigh of relief over gas exploration
UNCONVENTIONAL gas exploration is a source of concern for many Victorian farmers.
So I am sure there was a collective sigh of relief this week for many who are on land in the sights of CSG companies.
The former Coalition Government’s ban on exploration and extraction of unconventional onshore gas was given permanency this week, while a moratorium on conventional onshore gas was extended to 2020.
Farmers have serious concerns on the detrimental effects of fracking on water quality and quantity, this ban brings them peace of mind for the future.
The Nationals have always had the best interests of farmers and regional communities at its core.
We were proud to be part of the former Coalition government who introduced Victoria’s fracking moratorium and who banned the use of BTEX chemicals.
Our farmers and rural communities are one of the powerhouses of Victoria’s economy and The Nationals will always fight to ensure that the land and water resources they need are protected.
While the Coalition welcomes Labor’s continuation of the Liberal Nationals’ policy, Daniel Andrews must do more to provide relief from rising cost of living pressures hitting Victorian families.
- Peter Walsh, Nationals Leader
