Dear Premier Carroll

I am writing because I am deeply concerned about the lack of support being given to Victoria’s professional firefighters, corporate and technical staff and what that means for the safety of our communities.

When Victorians call 000, we expect firefighters to arrive with reliable fire trucks, modern equipment, adequate staffing and the resources they need to do their job safely.

That is not an unreasonable expectation.

Firefighters, corporate and technical staff are telling us that ageing and unreliable trucks, equipment and resource shortages continue to affect their ability to protect the community. At the same time, they have gone years without a general pay rise.

Firefighting is physically and mentally demanding work. Fair pay and conditions are not simply about wages. Firefighters need to be able to recover between shifts, support their families and return to work ready to give 100 per cent when the community needs them.

So I am asking a simple question:

Why is the Victorian Government refusing to give our firefighters, corporate and technical staff the tools, resources and fair pay they need to safely protect us?

Victorians are paying more towards our emergency services. We should be able to expect that our firefighters are properly equipped, properly resourced and properly supported, and that the corporate and technical staff who support emergency operations are properly resourced and supported as well.

I will also be voting at this election, and the way this Government is treating our firefighters, corporate and technical staff will directly influence my vote. At this stage, I do not believe Labor has done enough to support the people who protect us, and for that reason Labor will not receive my vote.

Firefighters, corporate staff and technical staff continue to turn up for us every day.

It is time for the Government to turn up for them.

Premier, please listen to our firefighters, corporate staff and technical staff and give them the tools, resources and fair outcome they need to continue protecting our community.

Yours sincerely,