Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Women) Share this | Hansard source

I am disappointed that I have to update the Senate in relation to the attack by the Daniel Andrews government on the tens of thousands of fantastic men and women in Victoria who put their lives on the line every other day of the week to keep Victorians safe. Instead of working towards a new enterprise agreement that recognises the important role of the volunteer firefighters, do you know what the Daniel Andrews government now wants to do?

It wants to split the CFA. Why? Because it wants to satisfy the disgusting demands of Peter Marshall and the United Firefighters Union. What did the Daniel Andrews government also do? It actually brought in Simon Crean—those on the other side would know this—to try and negotiate a settlement. One might say, 'Good on them for trying.' But guess what? Simon Crean, himself, was so dismayed and so disgusted at what the Daniel Andrews government was doing that he was unable to do it. Then have a look at Victorian minister James Merlino, who is misleading—Senator McKenzie knows this well—those in Victoria in relation to why they are not finalising the enterprise agreement. Ironically, this week is volunteer recognition week. I can tell you, there is nothing that the Daniel Andrews government is doing to recognise in any way the fantastic work that the tens of thousands of men, women and, in some cases, children do to stand up and protect Victorians.