Late this afternoon the Victorian Government tabled its proposed Fire Services Legislation in the Legislative Assembly. A copy of the Bill has now been made publicly available.
WHAT WE KNOW
· The Bill’s first reading speech was on Wednesday 29th May 2019
· VFBV attended a Government Bill briefing this morning (Tuesday 4th June 2019)
· The Bill’s second reading speech occurred late this afternoon (Tuesday 4th June 2019)
· Debate on the bill has been fast tracked for the Legislative Assembly tomorrow
Usually, after a Bill is tabled in the house and following its second reading speech, debate would normally be adjourned for a period of two weeks to allow members of Parliament to consider the Bill prior to debate.
This afternoon the Government has used its numbers in the lower house to bypass this usual practice, and debate will now proceed immediately in the lower house tomorrow morning.
Members can access live streaming of parliament at: https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/video-and-audio/live-broadcasting and select the “Assembly Live Broadcast” option.
NEXT STEPS
· Members are encouraged to read the Bill and discuss with your Brigade/Group
Members can access the Bill at: http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/domino/Web_Notes/LDMS/PubPDocs.nsf/ee665e366dcb6cb0ca256da400837f6b/2EDB9D7CA602E31ECA25840A007BF715/$FILE/591019bi1.pdf
· Members who have questions or concerns that they wish to raise in debate in the Legislative Assembly tomorrow should make contact with their local Member of Parliament ASAP
You can find a list of all members here: https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/about/people-in-parliament/members-search/list-all-members Members highlighted in Green are members of the Legislative Assembly (lower house) while those in red are from the Legislative Council (upper house.)
Useful links:
· VFBV Submission to Fire Services Bill Select Committee – http://vfbv.com.au/index.php/component/k2/item/589-vfbv-submission-to-the-fire-services-billselect-committee
· VFBV Legal Advice on the Presumptive Rights Compensation aspects of the previously proposed legislation - http://vfbv.com.au/index.php/component/k2/item/588-fire-service-restructure-updateand-vfbv-legal-advice
· Legislative Council’s select committee findings from their inquiry into the Fire Services Bill - http://vfbv.com.au/index.php/component/k2/item/595-fire-services-bill-select-committee-finalreport
· Government Response to the Fire Services Bill Select Committee Final Report – Tabled in Parliament on 7 September 2017 –
· VFBV / Melbourne University Surge Capacity educational video: http://www.vfbv.com.au/index.php/component/k2/item/568-cfa-s-volunteer-surge-capacityessential-for-victoria
MEMBER WELFARE AND SUPPORT
We have heard from many members already. We understand many of you are disappointed and angry. Everyone is different and their reactions to potentially traumatic or stressful events will be different. This is an extremely difficult time for us all and will require patience, empathy and solidarity as we tackle the next stages of this period in CFA’s history. Support services are available to provide you additional support:
The CFA Wellbeing Support Line: 1800 959 232 - provides CFA members and their immediate family access to member support 24-7.
Lifeline: 13 11 14 - provides crisis support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 - to talk with a trained mental health professional.
