By-Election Sparks Firey Campaign - 18/02/10

The recent Altona by-election saw firefighters and their union hitting the streets and campaigning against proposed State Government and MFB cuts to fire protection, both in Altona and across victoria. As reported, the State Government and MFB have plans to axe the minimum crewing safety standard which requires a minimum level of round-the-clock fire coverage, 24-hours a day.

This safety standard has been in place for decades, ensuring the fire brigade has the ability to respond to life-threatening emergencies within the internationally recognised benchmark of 7.7 minutes. The proposed cuts to fire cover are reckless and irresponsible, endangering lives, homes and businesses.

Firefighters from the Altona/Laverton area and their union surveyed all political candidates about their position on the Governments proposed cuts. We then reported the responses and campaigned in the community to reveal who supported their firefighters and who was planning to cut the level of protection for families and residents.

The candidates responses were published in local papers and the United Firefighters Union also co-ordinated a grassroots campaign of members in the electorate. Firefighters from Altona dedicated themselves to driving around mobile billboards, talking to voters at shopping centres and handing out election material at major polling booths on election day.

Below is a sample of some of the media we received throughout the snap campaign.