Members of the UFU, CFA Volunteers Group and the Across Victoria Alliance spend their Valentine’s Day out in the community
members of the UFU, CFA Volunteers Group and the Across Victoria Alliance spent their Valentine’s Day out in the community — talking to Victorians about what’s really happening to their fire services.
This time, we were campaigning on the border of Jacinta Allan’s own electorate of Bendigo East.
The response? Overwhelmingly supportive.
We had countless conversations about:
💰 An Emergency Services Tax that’s doubling
🚒 Fire trucks that are past their service life
🧑🏻🚒 Fire services that are under-equipped and under-resourced
Victorians are paying more — but not seeing the investment where it matters most: frontline emergency response.
The Tax That Has Never Ending Inequities. Scrap it!
Victoria’s renewable energy giants will contribute just $600,000 to fund Victoria’s emergency services this financial year, while the state’s drought-affected farmers will cough up about $71m.
Victorian Bushfire Survivors Say Government Aid Has Been Too Slow
Victorian communities ravaged by the January bushfires say they’ve been abandoned by the Allan Government. Locals warn that if they had waited for government support, they would have been left to starve.
“Where is the Allan Government? Where is the help?” residents ask, frustrated and angry as they struggle to access basic necessities. Calls for immediate, effective disaster relief are growing louder, as those on the frontline feel forgotten and ignored
2026 Summer Fires Inquiry – Call For Submissions
The Committee will inquire into the 2026 summer fires across Victoria including preparation and planning by Government, emergency services agencies, causes and circumstances of the bushfires, funding equipment and appliances for the CFA, the emergency responses, resilience of critical services and infrastructure, the impact on community business and agriculture, the impact on the environment, the impacts of climate change, the impact of misinformation, interjurisdictional support and lessons from previous inquiries, report and Royal Commissions
The Crisis in Victoria’s Firefighting Frontline
A great big new ‘Emergency Services’ tax, yet our Firefighters are left with Trucks that are old, unsafe and not fit for purpose.
Inquiry Approved
The Victorian government has reversed its opposition to a parliamentary inquiry into summer bushfires after 12,847 Victorians signed a petition demanding investigation into fire service funding.
A massive new tax for ‘Emergency Services’, where is it really going?
Private Contractors hired to fight Victoria’s bushfires still have not been paid. Where is the money raised from the wrongful tax going? They claim they are owed hundreds of thousands of dollars and might have to stop work because they’re going broke. Scrap the Tax
Inquiry Debate – A Rightful Outcome – Now the Work Begins
Debate on an Inquiry into recent Bushfires and funding of EmergencyServices scheduled to start approximately 4pm in the Legislative Council.
Rebate Confusion
Just 8000 of Victoria’s 56,000 CFA and SES volunteers have lodged applications for rebates on the emergency services tax they must pay this financial year.
As of this month the government had paid out just $3.4m to 7400 volunteers, equivalent to an average of $459 each.
The slow uptake appears to be due to a mix of volunteers taking a principled stance against receiving any form of payment, while others appear confused over the rebate rules.
CFA Volunteers Sound Alarm Over Aging Equipment – ABC Listen
CFA Volunteers Sound Alarm Over Aging Equipment. Where is the money really going? We need an Independent Parliamentary Inquiry now.
You Never Feel Safe Firefighter Says “Tanker is a Piece of S**T
You go to these things…knowing that you may not come home.’ This is the state of our fire service that was brought about by the senseless actions of Premier Allan, Treasurer Symes and Minister Ward. They must answer for their terrible wrong doing and act to fix the problems now. Stop the Tax
Jacinta Allan slammed over fire services levy as firefighters fight to contain bushfires
The Allan government has come underfire over its fire services levy as farmers who are volunteer firefighters help to contain “massive” bushfires across the state.
Victorian Farmers Federation president Brett Hosking says farmers were prepared this summer for bushfires and helped in preventing the fires from becoming bigger.
“They landed on the properties of professional farmers … they were ready to respond,” he told Ross and Russel.
Where is Our Teleboom? – Ringwood Without an Aerial Appliance Tonight
Where is our Teleboom ? Nick McGowan MP asks the question — because once again, Ringwood’s Teleboom isn’t there when it maybe needed.
10,000 STRONG — LET’S KEEP IT GROWING
More than 10,000 Victorians have already signed the petition for an Independent Parliamentary Inquiry. This is real momentum — and it’s building fast.
Frontline Voices Ignored: It’s Time for a Parliamentary Inquiry
Firefighters raised legitimate concerns about safety and funding — backed by the government’s own numbers — and were met with dismissal and ridicule. As highlighted in a recent Herald Sun opinion piece, Treasurer Jaclyn Symes even laughed at these very questions. This isn’t leadership — it’s arrogance, and it puts community safety at risk
Please Sign the petition https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/petitions/select-committee-on-fire-services-funding-and-resources
Inquiry Now!
In Victoria communities are counting the cost of recent catastrophic bushfires.
Some firefighters claim funding cuts to the Country Fire Authority have left them dangerously stretched.
Please Sign the petition https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/petitions/select-committee-on-fire-services-funding-and-resources
Message to Jaclyn Symes & Premier Allan. It’s Way Past the Time for Your Government to Be Made Accountable. Scrap the Tax
Support Firefighters demand for an Independent Parliamentary Inquiry, not a Government appointed one they can hide behind.
Sign the petition
Protect firefighters
Protect Victorians
Please Sign the petition https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/petitions/select-committee-on-fire-services-funding-and-resources
Premier Refuses to Tell the Truth. Victorian’s Safety in Peril. Funding Furore
The Premier has repeatedly hosed down claims the CFA’s funding has been cut in recent years.
She’s called assertions “false and misleading” – but analysis from the Parliamentary Budget Office tells a different story. #9News
Please Sign the petition https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/petitions/select-committee-on-fire-services-funding-and-resources
We Need Answers, We Need the Truth! Scrap the TAX!
We need answers and we need the truth. Are Victorians getting the Best Fire Service available! Is our money giving our CFA Volunteers and FRV Firefighters the best equipment so they can protect and defend you in a Fire. Victorians, enough is enough, Join the Fight.
https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/petitions/select-committee-on-fire-services-funding-and-resources
Allan’s CFA No-Cuts Claim Undone by Report
Premier Jacinta Allan’s claim that CFA funding was never cut has been contradicted by Victoria’s independent budget watchdog, which found government grant funding fell by $12.1m over four years.
Premier Jacinta Allan “Hiding Behind a Goverment Appointed Inquiry That Even She Knows it Won’t Meet the Needs of the Victorian Community
Jacinta Allan is trying to hide behind a Government appointed ‘Inquiry’ into Bushfires, Funding of Emergency Services and how the new tax is (not) being spent.
Sign the petition to demand the Upper House of Parliament appoint an independent Parliamentary Inquiry NOW!
To sign the petition go to www.firecrisis.com.au/fire-inquiry-now/
Victorians Deserve Better – Please Sign the Petition – Only a Royal Commission Will Uncover the Truth of The Mess the Government Have Created
A coalition of career and volunteer firefighters are calling for an urgent Parliamentary Inquiry into the January 2026 Victorian fires, warning that the scale of devastation now unfolding was foreseeable and preventable after years of government underinvestment in fire services, ageing fire trucks and ignored warnings from firefighters.
Please sign the petition by visiting this link: https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/…/select-committee…/
Auditor General Exposes Premier Allan’s Untruths
Why does Premier Jacinta Allan and Treasurer Jaclyn Symes hide the truth.
Jacinta Allan refuses to admit that funding to our Emergency Services has been cut, despite the introduction of a great big new tax.
Scrap The Tax
Victorian Government Hides CFA Report
Why does Premier Jacinta Allan and Treasurer Jaclyn Symes hide the truth.
Jacinta Allan refuses to admit that funding to our Emergency Services has been cut, despite the introduction of a great big new tax.
Scrap The Tax
Why is Jacinta Allan Hiding the Facts
Why does Premier Jacinta Allan and Treasurer Jaclyn Symes hide the truth.
Jacinta Allan refuses to admit that funding to our Emergency Services has been cut, despite the introduction of a great big new tax.
Scrap The Tax
The new tax has been exposed for what it is – a cash grab
Heidi Murphy grilled the Premier on the matter, asking, “Where is this other money that you say is there, that the board says is there, that the chief officer says is there?”
Where is the money going?
Heidi Murphy grilled the Premier on the matter, asking, “Where is this other money that you say is there, that the board says is there, that the chief officer says is there?”
Premier Allan Continues to Avoid the Truth That Along with the Treasurer Her Government Has Created The Fire Crisis & Introduced a Deceitful Wrongful Tax Not Going to Fire Services!
Despite introducing a Great Big New Tax under the guise of supporting Emergency Services Worker and Volunteers, there has been nothing but cuts to the Emergency Services.
#scrapthetax
People’s Lives in Extreme Danger. “Premier Allan, Treasurer Symes – What Happened to The Money”
We ask for very little. Surely there is enough respect for the women and men who protect this state unpaid, often at personal cost, to at least provide some basic relief from the heat while travelling to and from the fireground or just a well earned short cool rest during a shift.
This isn’t about luxury. It’s about safety. It’s about fatigue. And it’s about respect.
MELBOURNE’S NORTHWEST HAS RUN OUT OF FIRETRUCKS
We ask for very little. Surely there is enough respect for the women and men who protect this state unpaid, often at personal cost, to at least provide some basic relief from the heat while travelling to and from the fireground or just a well earned short cool rest during a shift.
This isn’t about luxury. It’s about safety. It’s about fatigue. And it’s about respect.
Reality Check – Volunteers Put Their Lives on the Line with Substandard Equipment. All Whilst the Premier, Treasurer and Minister Luxuriate in Their Delusional Towers
We ask for very little. Surely there is enough respect for the women and men who protect this state unpaid, often at personal cost, to at least provide some basic relief from the heat while travelling to and from the fireground or just a well earned short cool rest during a shift.
This isn’t about luxury. It’s about safety. It’s about fatigue. And it’s about respect.
VICTORIA – A CATASTROPHIC FIRE DAY AHEAD
As communities prepare, our thoughts are firmly with those who will once again step forward to protect lives, homes, livestock and livelihoods.
🚒 CFA volunteers are standing up once more — despite carrying the growing burden of an Emergency Services Levy that is not being returned to the frontline in the form of safe, modern and reliable equipment.
Volunteers are being asked to face the most dangerous conditions imaginable, often with ageing or inadequate gear, while the levy they help fund fails to deliver what they need to stay safe.
CFA Equipment “Dangerous Say Volunteers”
Despite introducing a $5billion new emergency services tax on every Victorian , our Emergency Services are falling apart.
The Victorian Government has slashed the budgets of CFA, FRV, SES and other emergency services, these are the consequences.
The People of Victoria Deserve So Much Better Than This Wrongful Spin!
Despite introducing a $5billion new emergency services tax on every Victorian , our Emergency Services are falling apart.
The Victorian Government has slashed the budgets of CFA, FRV, SES and other emergency services, these are the consequences.
Heat Wave – Worst Since Black Saturday & Because of Jacinta Allan, Jaclyn Symes and Vicki Ward Victorian Fire Services & the Community are in Grave Danger!
Despite introducing a $5billion new emergency services tax on every Victorian , our Emergency Services are falling apart.
The Victorian Government has slashed the budgets of CFA, FRV, SES and other emergency services, these are the consequences.
CFA, Fire Rescue Victoria Firefighters & Across Victoria Alliance Join Forces to Demand Premier Allan and Treasurer Symes fix the Disaster They Created
Despite introducing a $5billion new emergency services tax on every Victorian , our Emergency Services are falling apart.
The Victorian Government has slashed the budgets of CFA, FRV, SES and other emergency services, these are the consequences.
Open Letter to Premier Jacinta Allan
Despite introducing a $5billion new emergency services tax on every Victorian , our Emergency Services are falling apart.
The Victorian Government has slashed the budgets of CFA, FRV, SES and other emergency services, these are the consequences.
Jacinta Allan’s Emergency Services Tax is hurting all Victorians during a cost of living crisis!
Despite introducing a $5billion new emergency services tax on every Victorian , our Emergency Services are falling apart.
The Victorian Government has slashed the budgets of CFA, FRV, SES and other emergency services, these are the consequences.
Despite introducing a $5billion new emergency services tax on every Victorian, our Emergency Services are falling apart!
Despite introducing a $5billion new emergency services tax on every Victorian , our Emergency Services are falling apart.
The Victorian Government has slashed the budgets of CFA, FRV, SES and other emergency services, these are the consequences.
Jacinta Allan, Jaclyn Symes & Vicky Ward Have Wrongly Cut Funding to Emergency Services. Due to These 3 People “Lives Are On the Line”
Community Rally – Cranbourne Public Hall – 9th February 2026. Come and help support our resolve to abolish the wrongful emergency services levy.
Community Rally – Scrap the Tax!
Community Rally – Cranbourne Public Hall – 9th February 2026. Come and help support our resolve to abolish the wrongful emergency services levy.
BALLARAT | UFU POLITICAL ACTION CAMPAIGN
Victorians are being forced to pay up to twice as much tax, yet Fire Rescue Victoria faces a $114 million funding cut.
That’s enough money to replace more than 100 fire trucks — at a time when over 64% of Victoria’s fire fleet is already beyond its service life, just months out from bushfire season.
This is not reform. It’s reckless.
Farmers, CFA Volunteers, and Rural Communities Won’t Be Bullied
The Allan Government tried to triple the emergency services tax on farmers — and sparked a wave of anger across Victoria.
Rupanyup grain grower Andrew Weidemann says it “lit the fuse” that united 27 farmer groups, CFA volunteers, and outdoor communities.
They rallied, marched on Spring Street, and forced the government to delay the hike.
Here’s how the Across Victoria Alliance is standing up and making their voices heard.
#scrapthetax#notfair
Jacinta Allan is sacrificing our local businesses for a tax that doesn’t even benefit our emergency services?
Jacinta Allan’s unfair Emergency Services Tax is hitting every Victorian.
Today’s announcement is a clear acknowledgment that the Government got it wrong.
This tax is fundamentally flawed, and Victorians deserve better.
They are clearly trying to avoid voters rejecting them by deferring it for some until after the election. A disgusting political Act.
It is time for the Government to scrap the tax entirely and establish a full public inquiry into its impact on households, businesses, and communities across our state.
#scrapthetax#notfair
Disgusting – Treasurer Symes & Premier Allan Defer the Tax for Folk in Hardship Until After the Election. It Must be Scrapped in Entirety!
Jacinta Allan’s unfair Emergency Services Tax is hitting every Victorian.
Today’s announcement is a clear acknowledgment that the Government got it wrong.
This tax is fundamentally flawed, and Victorians deserve better.
They are clearly trying to avoid voters rejecting them by deferring it for some until after the election. A disgusting political Act.
It is time for the Government to scrap the tax entirely and establish a full public inquiry into its impact on households, businesses, and communities across our state.
#scrapthetax#notfair
Alarming forecast for Victoria ahead of the coming summer bushfire season
While firefighters prepare to battle a high-risk bushfire season with depleted capacity and failing equipment, Jacinta Allan’s government has collected $600 million through the Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund—a levy introduced in their name—yet frontline agencies have seen no meaningful improvement in equipment or safety. Firefighters across Victoria are asking the same question: Where has this money gone?
Opposition Leader Jess Wilson Commits to Removing Wrongful Tax!
Jacinta Allan is sacrificing our local businesses for a tax that doesn’t even benefit our emergency services? ⚠️
Jacinta Allan’s Emergency Services Tax has sent shockwaves through Victoria, with iconic businesses voicing their fears about skyrocketing costs. One international success story is already contemplating their future in the state, highlighting the urgent need for a rethink.
Even more concerning? Despite the increased revenue from this tax, our emergency services are facing funding cuts this year. How does that make sense?
SCRAP THE TAX CAMPAIGN HEATS UP AHEAD OF ELECTION
A grassroots movement opposed to the Allan government’s fire services levy is planning to distribute how-to-vote cards on state election day next year.
Established in response to the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund, the Across Victoria Alliance has staged several rallies in 2025 and is planning further demonstrations in the new year, with the moratorium on the levy set to end in July 2026.
AVA co-ordinator Andrew Weidemann said the movement was planning a state conference in February as well as rallies to keep pressure on the Allan government to scupper its levy rises entirely.
“We’re not backing off — in fact, we’re only in the first quarter and we want to engage more with Melbourne voters,” he said.
Allan Government and Treasurer Symes Deliver Increased Emergency Services Tax and Wrongly Decrease Emergency Services Funding.
This tax is not going to Emergency Services, it’s plugging Jacinta Allan’s Budget Black Hole.
Victorian Farmers Warn Treasurer Symes and Premier Allan the Allan Government Induced Cost Crush is at Crisis Point
Without Farmers, Victorians will pay more for everyday grocery items.
The Emergency Services tax is causing financial pain to Victorians during a cost of living crisis – all to fund blackholes in the State Budget that is singularly focused on a train line from Cheltenham to Box Hill.