Parks Victoria workers urged to drop bans
Parks Victoria workers urged to drop bans
30 March 2012
published by www.abc.net.au
Australia — Deputy Premier Peter Ryan says a move by Parks Victoria workers to refuse to carry out controlled burns is potentially dangerous.
The workers have implemented work bans as part of a pay dispute with the State Government.
The Government wants to burn 390,000 hectares of land this year under its controlled burn program as recommended by the Bushfires Royal Commission.
Mr Ryan says the work bans are wasting a valuable opportunity to carry out the burns.
“Potentially if people are withdrawing their labour on a day such as this, when burns are planned to occur… it does ultimately have the capacity to put people at risk,” he said.
CFA chief fire officer Euan Ferguson is urging the workers to drop the bans.
“Fuel reduction burning is a very important part of overall fire management in Victoria. It’s one where CFA, DSE, Parks Victoria, all work in together,” he said.
“Obviously a reduction in the capability to carry out fuel reduction burns will have an affect.”
