THE Country Fire Authority has denied axing a popular staff newspaper in an attempt to stifle debate and comment from volunteer firefighters.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Western District MP James Purcell recently raised concerns over CFA funding cuts - including the removal of of a $60,000 grant to Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV) for its 70-year-old newspaper Fire Wise - with state Emergency Services Minister James Merlino.
Mr Purcell said the paper has been produced since 1947 and is a highly valued information resource read by thousands of volunteers and paid staff within the CFA.
"It's been brought to my attention that funding for the Fire Wise newspaper has been cut without notice or consultation,” Mr Purcell recently told Parliament.
"It has given brigades and firefighters opportunities to contribute items and make comments on a wide range of issues."
Mr Purcell also said there was unease among volunteer firefighters that removing support for the paper was an attempt to limit the voice of volunteers, many of whom rely on the printed and online publication to keep up to date with issues and engage in independent discussion.
Mr Purcell raised "rumblings" among volunteers about an entire review of CFA funding for the VFBV, saying the CFA was the only source of funding for the VFBV.
"The VFBV is the only body that represent the voice of volunteer fire fighters in our state and I think cutting funding could be disastrous for volunteer and career members alike.”
Mr Merlino said “funding decisions like this are a matter for the CFA”.
"It is very important that any expenditure of taxpayers' money at any organisation is done so with accountability and represents value for money,” he said.
"Unsurprisingly, the leadership of the VFBV and James Purcell are focused on this issue, rather than on fire reforms that will better protect lives and property."
A spokesman for the CFA said it had updated its funding arrangement from an annual cash grant for the newspaper to a paid advertising approach.
“It is essential any expenditure of public funds be done with proper governance, accountability and value for money,” he said.
“CFA continues to support the work of the VFBV as the representative body of our volunteers.”
