In a historic announcement by the Victorian Premier John Brumby, the lack of resourcing we have fought to rectify over many years has been addressed.

For example, the Premier today announced:
•    342 additional firefighters for the CFA,
•    100 additional firefighters for the MFB.

The above increase in firefighter numbers is the most significant increase in the history of the UFU.

Members are to be congratulated for their unity and campaigning to rectify the lack of emergency service cover to communities where there was inadequate fire cover.

Additionally, this will go a long way to enhance firefighter safety.

Premier Brumby and his Government should be congratulated in investing in the safety of Victorians and making what we consider to be a significant investment in the safety of firefighters.

Again we applaud this announcement and look forward to working with the Brumby Government in implementing this initiative.

Peter Marshall
Branch Secretary
UFU Victoria