Vic: State govt and CFA sign volunteer charter

AAP General News (Australia)
12-22-2001
Vic: State govt and CFA sign volunteer charter

MELBOURNE, Dec 22 AAP - The dangerous work of volunteer firefighters was recognised
today in the signing of a volunteer charter by the Victorian government.

The charter is expected to become a blueprint for emergency services around Australia.

The Country Fire Authority (CFA) charter commits the government to training programmes,
new and improved fire stations and support services such as counselling for the CFA's
61,000 volunteers.

The charter follows lengthy negotiations and sets out the obligations of the government
and the CFA to support the volunteers.

Emergency Services Minister Andre Haermeyer said: "We are providing volunteers with
a greater voice at corporate level and access to government on decisions which directly
affect them."

The charter comes after two volunteers died in the line of duty in the past week -
one in a car crash en route to a call, the other while a firebreak was being ploughed.

"I think it highlights the very dangerous work that these people do without pay and
without expectation of pay," Mr Haermeyer said.

AAP sjg/ldj/de

KEYWORD: CHARTER

2001 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.