Victoria’s Labor government faces its fiercest political threat in years as the United Firefighters Union (UFU) rolls out its largest campaign in more than a decade to block Premier Jacinta Allan’s bid for a historic fourth consecutive term.
The campaign, timed for maximum impact before the 2026 election, will target more than 30 key seats, including Allan’s Bendigo East and Deputy Premier Ben Carroll’s Niddrie.
The move follows long-running disputes over wages and the condition of Fire Rescue Victoria’s ageing fleet. UFU secretary Peter Marshall said firefighters’ real wages have fallen 20% since 2021, accusing the state of “a billion-dollar-a-year tax grab” through its emergency services levy hike, which has grown from $1.033 billion to $1.623 billion annually. “They are risking their lives for less money, driving trucks that break down during life-threatening emergencies,” Marshall said, calling the Allan government “a disgrace to Labor and to Victoria.”
Firefighters rejected a 12% pay rise over four years with cash bonuses, demanding instead a 25% increase over three years. Earlier this year, thousands of farmers and CFA volunteers protested against the levy outside parliament. FRV insists it has bargained “in good faith” under the Fair Work Act and says resolving the dispute remains a priority.
The showdown echoes the UFU’s 2014 campaign against Denis Napthine, which played a key role in toppling his government. With the Liberals needing only an 8% swing to claim the 17 seats required for power, the firefighters’ revolt could reshape Victoria’s political future.
