Tony Abbott labels Victorian firefighter dispute a ‘tragedy’ and ‘disaster’ on 3AW

Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott has labelled Victoria’s proposed firefighter agreement a ‘tragedy’ on 3AW.

He said it would be a disaster if implemented.

Mr Abbott, a volunteer firefighter in NSW, told Neil Mitchell he was troubled by the dispute between the CFA and United Firefighters Union.

He said it showed Daniel Andrews and Labor were ‘putting unions first’ and not the public.

‘It essentially gives the unions control of the CFA and it effectively puts enormous operational handbrakes on the CFA,’ Mr Abbott explained on 3AW Mornings.

‘It’s running firefighting to suit the union, not running firefighting to actually fight fires and that is just crazy.’

He questioned the stance of federal Labor leader Bill Shorten on the issue.

‘Bill Shorten, who is happy to intervene in local government amalgamations in NSW, is saying ‘I couldn’t possibly get involved in this’ in his home state of Victoria,’ Mr Abbott said.

‘I think it’s a tragedy for our country.’

Click PLAY below to hear Tony Abbott’s interview in full