Victorian fire services split: Bill stalls again in Upper House

CONTROVERSIAL legislation to split Victorian fire services has again stalled as the state government scrambles to secure crossbench support.

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CONTROVERSIAL legislation to split the fire services has again stalled as the government scrambles to secure crossbench support.

The bill was last week adjourned in the Upper House with the expectation it would return this week.

But it has again been delayed as the government fights to woo support from crossbenchers.

Independent MP James Purcell pulled his support for the bill late last month, leaving the government without the numbers for it to pass the Legislative Council.

Labor MPs said the government was “considering its options” on how to win over the support of the crossbench.

Emergency Minister James Merlino last week denied there were concerns with the legislation’s current form.

Emergency Services Minister James Merlino. Picture: Andrew Tauber

Opposition leader Matthew Guy said uncertainty surrounding the CFA’s future was hurting morale.

“The government needs to do one of two things — take this bill to the next election to be voted on by Victorians or it needs to put this bill to the vote (in the Upper House),” he said.

“It needs to do that to give Victorians certainty about what is going to happen to our Country Fire Authority.

“The uncertainty surrounding the CFA is, I believe, affecting the morale of our CFA volunteers.”

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@moniquehore