At Fire Station 25 in Oakleigh, firefighters were doing what they do best — engaging local school kids, inspiring the next generation, and showing the community how they keep Victorians safe.
But during the demonstration, something happened that should never happen in a modern, well-funded emergency service.
Ladder Platform 25 broke down. In front of the children. And it couldn’t be raised.
This wasn’t a training drill gone wrong.
This was a warning.
Because if this breakdown had happened during a real fire — with someone trapped on an upper floor — the outcome could have been devastating.
This is what underfunding looks like.
This is what risk looks like.
This is what happens when frontline services are cut.**
Victorians are being asked to pay double the emergency services levy this year. Double.
And yet, FRV is being forced to absorb a $114 million funding cut — enough to replace more than 100 ageing fire trucks before they fail on the job.
Firefighters aren’t asking for luxury.
They’re asking for trucks that start.
Ladders that rise.
Equipment that works when lives depend on it.
The Allan Government slashes, Victoria Burns!