Volunteer firefighters slam proposed compensation from Government
Victorian volunteer firefighters are fighting against the proposed compensation deal that would see them paid $300 a day, arguing it should not be introduced. This is why.
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The controversial plan to pay volunteer firefighters compensation has been slammed by the state’s voluntary association, amid concerns the move would destroy the non-professional force in Victoria.
Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria Executive Officer Adam Barnett has issued a statement lambasting Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s plan to offer financial assistance to people for helping out on major fires.
“If benefits and payments to volunteers are expected by individuals, the spirit of volunteerism could be destroyed,” Mr Barnett said.
“Such an argument ultimately leads us to the retained fire-fighter model where members are paid an allowance to attend fires and where as a result, volunteers cease to become true volunteers and become employees.
“VFBV is not in favour of volunteers receiving income for their voluntary firefighting service.”
Mr Barnett supported the current scheme to reimburse volunteers’ costs for transport, personal expenses, clothing and equipment, but said the proposed $300 a day payment – potentially funded under a state and federal co-payment – should not be introduced.
The stance comes as the Victorian Government prepares to seek access to a Federal Government offer to compensate volunteer firefighters who have gone into financial hardship after spending weeks on the fire front lines.
Treasurer Tim Pallas said the Andrews Government was “keen’’ to talk to the Morrison Government about the payments.
“We will work with the Commonwealth, volunteer associations and of course the CFA to make sure that as best we can we cater for the needs of those who are doing the best they can for us,’’ he said.
Emergency Services Minister Lisa Neville ruled out “payments’’ for volunteers, but appeared to be referring to the idea of volunteers receiving regular payments, rather than the one-off compensation being offered.
“Over the last couple of days I’ve been speaking with … the Volunteer Fire Brigade in Victoria, as well as the CFA, and they’ve made it clear to me that they do not support payments for volunteers. That that is against the spirit of volunteerism,’’ Ms Neville said.
“They have made it absolutely clear they do not believe there should be payments to volunteers.’’
The confusion comes a day after Prime Minister Scott Morrison – who had earlier said compensation was not a priority – announced a deal with NSW to provide Commonwealth money to help volunteer RFS firefighters struggling financially after weeks or months spent fighting major fires.
Ms Neville was adamant the money would not be welcomed by Victorian volunteers.
“This is not their second job. This is something they contribute their time, their energy, their commitment to, and it’s not about payment,’’ she said.
The State Government was still getting across the detail of the Prime Minister’s announcement, she said, and whether it included other bushfire volunteers such as SES and relief centre staff.
But Mr Pallas said Victoria would be keen to talk to the Commonwealth, volunteer associations and volunteers about what their expectations were and that he expected Victoria would get equal treatment to NSW in terms of assisting volunteers working on “long-term campaign fires.’’
“I think it’s important to stress that these are not payments in lieu of wages, they are a recognition of service over a long period of time,’’ he said.
Mr Pallas praised the Victorian volunteer firefighters, and said with a long, hot summer still ahead, individuals should not have to suffer financial consequences.
Federal Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese welcomed the shift by Mr Morrison.
“This is a national crisis,’’ Mr Albanese said of the bushfire and drought emergency.
“It is one where thousands of volunteer firefighters have been in the field, saving lives, saving property, protecting communities.’’
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Mr Albanese said many firefighters had been placed in financial hardship due to their volunteering efforts.
He again called for a national meeting of the Council of Australian Governments to be brought forward, to help develop a national bushfire plan.
Mr Morrison visited RFS headquarters in NSW yesterday and said the Commonwealth would join the states, who administer the payments, to issue the payments, which amount to around 20 days of emergency service paid leave.