One Nation’s Hastings candidate Peter Angelico says his party would fund a new Baxter CFA station. He proposes redirecting money from Treaty and other spending the party considers lower priorities.
Angelico visited the station on Tuesday, 20 October, meeting captain Daniel and fellow brigade members Andrew and Damian. They discussed the proposed replacement and conditions at the existing building.
STPL News attended the visit.
Angelico said volunteers had waited long enough for a replacement.
“The land’s there, the need’s there, and the volunteers have been waiting long enough. One Nation is committed to funding a new Baxter station by redirecting spending from lower priorities. It’s not rocket science. It’s about getting the basics right.”
Why Members Want A New Baxter CFA Station
During the visit, brigade members explained how a new station could help attract and retain volunteers. They also called for better changing and washing facilities and a safer working environment.
Speaking in a video recorded at the station, one member said:
“One of the big things would be to help with that member retention and getting more volunteers to actually get on that truck.”
Members also highlighted the need for training space and room to expand equipment and the fleet. They said improved facilities could support community events and give residents a station they could take pride in.
After speaking with members of Baxter CFA, STPL News understands the campaign for a replacement station stretches back about 20 years.
STPL News understands CFA purchased land at the southern end of Stotts Lane about five years ago, following earlier attempts to secure a suitable site.
Members outlined concerns about limited space around the trucks, inadequate changing and washing facilities, and the need for off-road parking and training areas.
Angelico Proposes Redirecting Treaty Spending
Angelico said One Nation would prioritise essential services by reviewing existing expenditure and cutting spending it considered unnecessary.
“One Nation would rather redirect money from Treaty bureaucracy into essential services like the CFA. We’re talking about volunteers who protect every Victorian, regardless of their background. That’s where we believe taxpayers’ money should be going.”
The party’s published policy calls for abolishing the Statewide Treaty and Gellung Warl, the body established under it.
Its emergency services policy also proposes a rolling fleet replacement program, with CFA trucks earmarked for replacement at 18 years and replaced by 20 years.
Angelico said the contribution of volunteers should be reflected in their facilities.
“Our brave volunteers drop everything when the siren goes off. They don’t ask who’s in government or who you voted for. They just turn up and get the job done. The least we can do is make sure they’ve got a decent station to work out of.”
Angelico said that, if One Nation formed government, it would prioritise fully funding essential services such as the CFA over spending it considered less important.
Victorian Election On 28 November
Victorians will head to the polls on Saturday, 28 November 2026.
Angelico is standing for One Nation in the seat of Hastings. His opponents include incumbent Labor MP Paul Mercurio, Liberal candidate Frank Schiefler, Chloe Coulson for the Animal Justice Party and Isaac Willoughby for the Greens.
Information about enrolment and voting options is available from the Victorian Electoral Commission.
