Victorian State Election: Labor pledges to boost firefighter numbers

Date
    November 18, 2014


Victoria would recruit 450 extra firefighters if Daniel Andrews is elected Premier, with greater protection for firefighters if they contract specific cancers also pledged.   :)

Speaking to a special meeting of the United Firefighters Union, Mr Andrews received a standing ovation when he committed Labor to $141 million to recruit 350 CFA and 100 extra MFB firefighters over the next four years.      :)

Premier Denis Napthine said his government had recruited an extra 200 over the past four years and asked how Labor would fund the extra recruits.


Labor would set up, within 18 months of winning, a scheme that would give firefighters automatic access to workers' compensation if they develop specific cancers. The Commonwealth introduced similar laws in 2011 and other states have followed suit.      :)

The Victorian scheme would be similar to one operating in Tasmania and be available to both paid and volunteer firefighters. The Greens attempted to introduce a scheme last year but was blocked by the Napthine government.

The Coalition says it will also introduce a scheme if it wins, but is waiting for a Monash University study on the issue to decide how it will work. International studies and a Senate inquiry have found a link between higher cancer rates and firefighting.

The Coalition rubbished the plan to recruit more firefighters saying it was an insult to the critical role CFA volunteers played and accusing the ALP of trying to get rid of volunteer from integrated brigades in favour of a "militant UFU."


The Coalition says Victoria has the best funded and resourced fire services in Australia.

Cancers set to be covered by Labor's scheme include brain, kidney, bladder and breast cancers as well as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, myeloma and leukaemia.

Mr Andrews said the scheme would be capped at $40 million over four years, but there would be no individual cap on claims.

Labor also pledged on Tuesday to reopen the Hazelwood Mine Fire Inquiry if it wins office, saying it would investigate claims of a "spike" in local deaths in the aftermath of this year's coalmine fire.

The inquiry would also examine options for rehabilitation of the vast coalmine on the edge of Morwell.

"The Coalition completely botched the response to the mine fire, exposed firefighters to serious risk and abandoned the Morwell community when they were most in need," he said.

Under a wider plan for the Latrobe Valley,  Mr Andrews said Labor would also allocate $10 million to develop the Gippsland Logistics Precinct in Morwell, increase the number of full-time firefighters at Morwell and Traralgon CFA stations, boost technology and training so firefighters could better fight coalmine fires, invest a further $3 million in a Morwell emergency services hub, and $12 million for a "Morwell Schools Regeneration Project."

Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/victoria-state-election-2014/victorian-state-election-labor-pledges-to-boost-firefighter-numbers-20141118-11otk5.html#ixzz3JXZvkgGZ

Good on you Mr Daniel Andrews.      [smiley=thumbsup.gif]    

wrote on Nov 20^th, 2014 at 4:42am:

Good on you Mr Daniel Andrews.      [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

What will he do with the East Link project?

Mark Latham says Labor will keep it -  (heard it on the radio)

Theres not as many fires as their used to be thanks to all the new prevention measures in place so it will just be more firies sitting on their arse twiddling their thumbs doing nothing, basically yet another public service rort.
Just have a look on the news, even a small incident has dozens and dozens of firies milling around scratching their arse, my neighbours roof caught fire the other day and anyone would have thought it was the towering inferno with the amount of appliances that turned up  ;D

Garfield. wrote on Nov 20^th, 2014 at 9:09am:

Theres not as many fires as their used to be thanks to all the new prevention measures in place so it will just be more firies sitting on their arse twiddling their thumbs doing nothing, basically yet another public service rort. Just have a look on the news, even a small incident has dozens and dozens of firies milling around scratching their arse, my neighbours roof caught fire the other day and anyone would have thought it was the towering inferno with the amount of appliances that turned up  ;D

So you'd prefer one firie with a watering can then.

Prime Minister for Canyons wrote on Nov 20^th, 2014 at 9:12am:

Garfield. wrote on Nov 20th, 2014 at 9:09am: Theres not as many fires as their used to be thanks to all the new prevention measures in place so it will just be more firies sitting on their arse twiddling their thumbs doing nothing, basically yet another public service rort. Just have a look on the news, even a small incident has dozens and dozens of firies milling around scratching their arse, my neighbours roof caught fire the other day and anyone would have thought it was the towering inferno with the amount of appliances that turned up  ;D So you'd prefer one firie with a watering can then.

I'd prefer not to have to talk to m0rons, bit hard not to on this board though  ::)

Garfield. wrote on Nov 20^th, 2014 at 9:21am:

Prime Minister for Canyons wrote on Nov 20th, 2014 at 9:12am: Garfield. wrote on Nov 20th, 2014 at 9:09am: Theres not as many fires as their used to be thanks to all the new prevention measures in place so it will just be more firies sitting on their arse twiddling their thumbs doing nothing, basically yet another public service rort. Just have a look on the news, even a small incident has dozens and dozens of firies milling around scratching their arse, my neighbours roof caught fire the other day and anyone would have thought it was the towering inferno with the amount of appliances that turned up  ;D So you'd prefer one firie with a watering can then. I'd prefer not to have to talk to m0rons, bit hard not to on this board though  ::)

I agree.

Labor in Victoria has $32bn in unfunded promises, so where will the money come from for this? Will they borrow, as Swan did, and send the state broke?

Armchair_Politician wrote on Nov 20^th, 2014 at 9:31am:

Labor in Victoria has $32bn in unfunded promises, so where will the money come from for this? Will they borrow, as Swan did, and send the state broke?

Err that would be a yes.  :'(

"Labor would set up, within 18 months of winning, a scheme that would give firefighters automatic access to workers' compensation if they develop specific cancers. The Commonwealth introduced similar laws in 2011 and other states have followed suit.   

The Victorian scheme would be similar to one operating in Tasmania and be available to both paid and volunteer firefighters. The Greens attempted to introduce a scheme last year but was blocked by the Napthine government.

The Coalition says it will also introduce a scheme if it wins, but is waiting for a Monash University study on the issue to decide how it will work. International studies and a Senate inquiry have found a link between higher cancer rates and firefighting."


The Coalition says it will also introduce a scheme if it wins,

You have had 4 YEARS to introduce a scheme you lying bunch of toads!  Clear your desks out and p@ss off!

Vic wrote on Nov 20^th, 2014 at 9:36am:

"Labor would set up, within 18 months of winning, a scheme that would give firefighters automatic access to workers' compensation if they develop specific cancers. The Commonwealth introduced similar laws in 2011 and other states have followed suit.    The Victorian scheme would be similar to one operating in Tasmania and be available to both paid and volunteer firefighters. The Greens attempted to introduce a scheme last year but was blocked by the Napthine government. The Coalition says it will also introduce a scheme if it wins, but is waiting for a Monash University study on the issue to decide how it will work. International studies and a Senate inquiry have found a link between higher cancer rates and firefighting." The Coalition says it will also introduce a scheme if it wins, You have had 4 YEARS to introduce a scheme you lying bunch of toads!  Clear your desks out and p@ss off!

Labor had six years to stop the boats that they restarted, and failed. Morrison stopped them inside 3 months. Labor had six years to change what they say is Costello's negative legacy, but did nothing. You're such a hypocrite!  ;D ;D ;D

Armchair_Politician wrote on Nov 20^th, 2014 at 9:37am:

Vic wrote on Nov 20th, 2014 at 9:36am: "Labor would set up, within 18 months of winning, a scheme that would give firefighters automatic access to workers' compensation if they develop specific cancers. The Commonwealth introduced similar laws in 2011 and other states have followed suit.    The Victorian scheme would be similar to one operating in Tasmania and be available to both paid and volunteer firefighters. The Greens attempted to introduce a scheme last year but was blocked by the Napthine government. The Coalition says it will also introduce a scheme if it wins, but is waiting for a Monash University study on the issue to decide how it will work. International studies and a Senate inquiry have found a link between higher cancer rates and firefighting." The Coalition says it will also introduce a scheme if it wins, You have had 4 YEARS to introduce a scheme you lying bunch of toads!  Clear your desks out and p@ss off! Labor had six years to stop the boats that they restarted, and failed. Morrison stopped them inside 3 months. Labor had six years to change what they say is Costello's negative legacy, but did nothing. You're such a hypocrite!  ;D ;D ;D

FFS!  This is a thread about STATE POLITICS!  Vic Labor had nothing to do with that policy

Were you dropped at birth or Mum kept the wrong bit?

But I guess all these promised new firefighters will have to belong to a union.

Vic wrote on Nov 20^th, 2014 at 9:39am:

Armchair_Politician wrote on Nov 20th, 2014 at 9:37am: Vic wrote on Nov 20th, 2014 at 9:36am: "Labor would set up, within 18 months of winning, a scheme that would give firefighters automatic access to workers' compensation if they develop specific cancers. The Commonwealth introduced similar laws in 2011 and other states have followed suit.    The Victorian scheme would be similar to one operating in Tasmania and be available to both paid and volunteer firefighters. The Greens attempted to introduce a scheme last year but was blocked by the Napthine government. The Coalition says it will also introduce a scheme if it wins, but is waiting for a Monash University study on the issue to decide how it will work. International studies and a Senate inquiry have found a link between higher cancer rates and firefighting." The Coalition says it will also introduce a scheme if it wins, You have had 4 YEARS to introduce a scheme you lying bunch of toads!  Clear your desks out and p@ss off! Labor had six years to stop the boats that they restarted, and failed. Morrison stopped them inside 3 months. Labor had six years to change what they say is Costello's negative legacy, but did nothing. You're such a hypocrite!  ;D ;D ;D for goodness sake!  This is a thread about STATE POLITICS!  Vic Labor had nothing to do with that policy Were you dropped at birth or Mum kept the wrong bit?

Labor is Labor - there's no difference between local government, state or federal with that bunch of ex-union hacks.

Quote:

Labor would set up, within 18 months of winning, a scheme that would give firefighters automatic access to workers' compensation if they develop specific cancers. The Commonwealth introduced similar laws in 2011 and other states have followed suit.    The Victorian scheme would be similar to one operating in Tasmania and be available to both paid and volunteer firefighters. The Greens attempted to introduce a scheme last year but was blocked by the Napthine government. The Coalition says it will also introduce a scheme if it wins, but is waiting for a Monash University study on the issue to decide how it will work.

Another inquiry is a waste of time because equivalent schemes are already in place in other states.

Victoria's fire season outlook 'potentially major'

Date
    November 20, 2014


Victoria's fire season forecast has been upgraded from average to "potentially major", with authorities warning residents to prepare for a "long, tough summer".   :(

The updated Southern Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook 2014-15 was released on Thursday based on predictions that the state's summer will be drier and hotter, with less rainfall, than initially anticipated.

"Record October warmth across much of southern Australia has caused a rapid drawing of moisture from the landscape which is raising expectations of high fire danger in the south eastern states," the outlook says.

"Rainfall since August has been below average to very much below average across most of Victoria."   :(

The outlook indicates that all parts of Victoria, except the Mallee and East Gippsland, can expect "above normal" fire potential.   :(

The "potentially major" fire warning has been extended to areas including Wyperfeld National Park in the state's far northwest, the Otway Range east of  Melbourne and the foothills of South Gippsland, Latrobe Valley and Wilsons Promontory National Park in the state's southeast.

The new outlook comes amid reports Victorian towns ravaged by bushfire are still without mobile phone coverage.

Minister for Bushfire Response Kim Wells told Fairfax Media on Thursday it was possible that someone who wished to report a fire in an isolated area may have to drive until they have mobile phone reception before contacting authorities.

However, Emergency Management Commissioner Craig Lapsley sought to assure residents authorities were well prepared for the fire season.

"We [have] held 17 multi-agency exercises and regional briefings across the state to prepare fire and emergency services and agencies in the lead up to the fire season," Mr Lapsley said.

"We also have a record fleet of 46 [planes and helicopters] providing water bombing and air intelligence capabilities."

Mr Lapsley also said fire and emergency services had improved their warning systems based on public feedback.

"This includes the addition of 85 new state-of-the-art automated Fire Danger Rating signs and emergency radio broadcasting for a further 35 Victorian towns," he said.

Mr Lapsley said this fire season had started earlier than previous years', but noted it was not unusual for grass fires to flare up in November.

"The message to all Victorians is not to wait and see – don't hold off until the weather warms up or for a fire to start," he said.

He also advised residents to familiarise themselves with the three different warnings: Advice, Watch and Act and Emergency Warnings.

"These may not be issued in any particular order and the first you could hear about an incident could be via an Emergency Warning," Mr Lapsley said.

"You should never wait to receive an official warning before you leave. Bushfires can start quickly and threaten homes and lives within minutes. The safest option is to leave early on days of Severe, Extreme or Code Red fire danger."

Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/victorias-fire-season-outlook-potentially-major-20141120-11qlpb.html#ixzz3JaL49Ga9

Labor knows voters are stupid enough to believe them so they promise anything and everything.

longweekend58 wrote on Nov 20^th, 2014 at 4:07pm:

Labor knows voters are stupid enough to believe them so they promise anything and everything.

Just like the sheeple whom trusted Tony:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAHNXdHai0g

Bobby. wrote on Nov 20^th, 2014 at 4:10pm:

longweekend58 wrote on Nov 20th, 2014 at 4:07pm: Labor knows voters are stupid enough to believe them so they promise anything and everything. Just like the sheeple whom trusted Tony:

At least Tony doesn't keep his promises   ;D

Garfield. wrote on Nov 20^th, 2014 at 6:34pm:

At least Tony doesn't keep his promises   Grin

http://s23.postimg.org/hgojvz2on/somethings_not_right_here.jpg

wrote on Nov 20^th, 2014 at 4:42am:

Good on you Mr Daniel Andrews.      [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

With what money Idiot....Mr Daniel Andrews has $31 billion in unfunded promises...How brainwashed must you be?

MumboJumbo wrote on Nov 20^th, 2014 at 6:43pm:

Garfield. wrote on Nov 20th, 2014 at 6:34pm: At least Tony doesn't keep his promises   Grin http://s23.postimg.org/hgojvz2on/somethings_not_right_here.jpg

Yes Longy says:

Labor knows voters are stupid enough to believe them so they promise anything and everything.

I say

The Liberals know voters are stupid enough to believe them so they promise anything and everything.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAHNXdHai0g

Bobby. wrote on Nov 20^th, 2014 at 6:51pm:

Labor knows voters are stupid enough to believe them so they promise anything and everything. I say The Liberals know voters are stupid enough to believe them so they promise anything and everything.

http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20121105004715/legomessageboards/images/5/55/Internet-memes-princess-laydown.png

Bobby. wrote on Nov 20^th, 2014 at 6:51pm:

MumboJumbo wrote on Nov 20th, 2014 at 6:43pm: Garfield. wrote on Nov 20th, 2014 at 6:34pm: At least Tony doesn't keep his promises   Grin http://s23.postimg.org/hgojvz2on/somethings_not_right_here.jpg Yes Longy says: Labor knows voters are stupid enough to believe them so they promise anything and everything. I say The Liberals know voters are stupid enough to believe them so they promise anything and everything. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAHNXdHai0g

One day you will express an actual opinion other than mindlessly agreeing with toenail.

longweekend58 wrote on Nov 20^th, 2014 at 7:16pm:

Bobby. wrote on Nov 20th, 2014 at 6:51pm: MumboJumbo wrote on Nov 20th, 2014 at 6:43pm: Garfield. wrote on Nov 20th, 2014 at 6:34pm: At least Tony doesn't keep his promises   Grin http://s23.postimg.org/hgojvz2on/somethings_not_right_here.jpg Yes Longy says: Labor knows voters are stupid enough to believe them so they promise anything and everything. I say The Liberals know voters are stupid enough to believe them so they promise anything and everything. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAHNXdHai0g One day you will express an actual opinion other than mindlessly agreeing with toenail.

It hurts doesn't it Longy?

JuLiar only told one lie -  Tony has told at least 20.

Bobby. wrote on Nov 20^th, 2014 at 7:19pm:

longweekend58 wrote on Nov 20th, 2014 at 7:16pm: Bobby. wrote on Nov 20th, 2014 at 6:51pm: MumboJumbo wrote on Nov 20th, 2014 at 6:43pm: Garfield. wrote on Nov 20th, 2014 at 6:34pm: At least Tony doesn't keep his promises   Grin http://s23.postimg.org/hgojvz2on/somethings_not_right_here.jpg Yes Longy says: Labor knows voters are stupid enough to believe them so they promise anything and everything. I say The Liberals know voters are stupid enough to believe them so they promise anything and everything. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAHNXdHai0g One day you will express an actual opinion other than mindlessly agreeing with toenail. It hurts doesn't it Longy? JuLiar only told one lie -  Tony has told at least 20.

only one???  your memory is as weak as your backbone.

'I wont oppose PM RUdd..."

'I have not offered the job of foreign minister to Bob Carr' (24hrs before appointing him)

and the rest.

you have the memory of a goldfish.

Bobby. wrote on Nov 20^th, 2014 at 6:51am:

wrote on Nov 20th, 2014 at 4:42am: Good on you Mr Daniel Andrews.      [smiley=thumbsup.gif]     What will he do with the East Link project? Mark Latham says Labor will keep it -  (heard it on the radio)

Victorian Labor Premier, Mark Latham ?


I didn't even know he was a CONTENDOR ?