Deep divisions in the Coalition Government have been exposed again, after Liberal MP Bill Tilley’s public contradiction of Deputy Premier and National’s Leader, Peter Ryan on reforms to Emergency Services.
Shadow Minister for Emergency Services, Danielle Green said Mr Tilley had talked up a merger of the CFA and the SES in a television interview, after Mr Ryan had ruled it out earlier this month.
“What we have is a very confusing situation where this brash Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Services is again at odds with his Minister,” Ms Green said.
“The CFA and the SES do not want to merge. Mr Ryan said it will not happen, but Mr Tilley, Member for Benalla, has said it should.
“Mr Tilley’s public campaign to undermine his Deputy Leader has left the Emergency Services community confused and bewildered.
“Mr Baillieu has a serious problem on his hands. He needs to bring Mr Tilley into line and make him work with, not against, the National Party leader.
“Victoria’s Emergency Services need to know who is actually running this show - the Minister or the Parliamentary Secretary - and whether the Baillieu Government is still considering this unpopular merger?
“This muddled approach to Government is leaving our hardworking Emergency Service volunteers vulnerable, at a time when they need decisive leadership.”
Ms Green said Mr Tilley, former policeman, had previous clashed with Mr Ryan on his handling of police, having recently threatened to quit the Government and sit as an independent.
“There is clearly ongoing tension between Mr Ryan and Mr Tilley over the handling of the crucial police and emergency services portfolios,” she said.
“Mr Tilley had a spectacular meltdown last month when he threatened to pull the pin and sit as an independent following Mr Ryan’s handling of the crisis in police command.
“Mr Baillieu needs to stop dithering clarify the Government's position on the CFA and SES, and stop the division within the Baillieu Government.”