Numerous fire trucks are making their way into Melbourne’s central business district as part of a protest coinciding with the announcement of the state budget today. Firefighters and volunteers from the Country Fire Authority (CFA) are demonstrating outside the state parliament in opposition to the government’s proposed tax on emergency services.
Although the protest is scheduled to commence at 9:45 am, participants have already begun to gather and display their signs in a show of solidarity. Among those joining the protest are farmers, who have come to lend their support to the rural fire volunteers.
Organisers anticipate that between 2,000 and 3,000 individuals will participate in the rally, highlighting the significant discontent among emergency service workers and their supporters regarding the government’s tax plans.