Senator CASH (Western Australia—Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Public Service, Minister for Employment and Minister for Women) (14:26): I thank Senator Paterson for his question, and yes I can. On Wednesday of last week, former CFA chief executive officer Lucinda Nolan gave evidence at a Victorian parliamentary inquiry. She said of the deal between the Victorian government and the United Firefighters Union, the following: It is destructive and divisive. I could not stay and oversee the destruction of the CFA. She then went on to say: I think this has the potential to negatively impact the organisation, community safety, our volunteers, and our volunteer contribution. I was given a clear alternative—sign the EBA or leave the organisation. Obviously I chose the latter. Senator Cameron: Show us what clause does this? Name just one clause. Show us one clause. Senator CASH: Mr President, unlike Senator Cameron, we on this side will continue to stand side by side with the 60,000 volunteers in the Victorian CFA. On top of Ms Nolan's evidence to the inquiry, she was joined by former CFA chief fire officer Joe Buffone. He told the inquiry that the EBA dispute with the United Firefighters Union had severely inhibited his role and made it untenable. Mr President, these people give up their lives sometimes to ensure that the people of Victoria are safe. If we did not have volunteers in Australia, quite frankly, where would we be? Senator Cameron interjecting— Senator CASH: As Sue Noble, CEO of Volunteering Victoria, has stated: In rural areas, volunteers in the emergency services are connected and contribute across their communities in ways that extend far beyond fighting fires. Devaluing the work of volunteers will act in the same way as pulling a linchpin from the axle of these communities … Mr President, we will back the volunteers every step of the way. (Time expired) The PRESIDENT: Senator Paterson, a supplementary question.