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AAP
AAP
Politics
Callum Godde

Firies take fight to parliament over 'ignored' upgrades

Victorian firefighter are concerned about the state of their fire trucks and safety equipment. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)

Victorian firefighters are heaping pressure on the state government to upgrade trucks and equipment ahead of the bushfire season.

Hundreds of firies rallied outside Victorian parliament on Thursday morning, protesting against the state of fire trucks and safety equipment, including uniforms.

With red trucks on show, the firefighters held signs and listened to a speech from United Firefighters Union Victorian branch secretary Peter Marshall.

Mr Marshall accused the Allan government of failing to protect firefighters and the community.

"For months, professional firefighters have been highlighting a significant range of problems with FRV's fire appliances, and for months they've been ignored," he said.

Premier Jacinta Allan said the government had provided significant additional funding to Fire Rescue Victoria in recent years and more than 90 per cent of its fire appliance fleet stood ready to respond.

"From time to time, fleet would come off the road for regular maintenance," she told reporters.

"FRV are responsible for how they manage their resources."

More than 1000 firefighters rallied in Melbourne in September after the union claimed the state government reneged on a new pay deal.

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