Minister Lily D’Ambrosio’s leaked audio exposes ugly fight with UFU

Senior Victorian minister Lily D’Ambrosio can be heard in leaked audio booting a United Firefighters Union member from a Labor party function as tensions escalate between the union and Allan government.

Leaked audio of a senior Victorian Labor minister berating a United Firefighters Union worker and ALP member has laid bare the growing tension between union and the Allan government.

It comes amid a concerted campaign by the UFU block the re-election of the Allan government by campaigning in dozens of targeted Labor seats.

In the audio senior minister Lily D’Ambrosio can be heard uninviting the party member and union worker from a party fundraiser this week, accusing her of sabotaging the event.

“I am going to be refunding your ticket because I don’t like being sabotaged by you and the UFU,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.

The Herald Sun has confirmed the UFU had been protesting outside a Mill Park venue where the fundraiser was booked.

Lily D'Ambrosio ‘uninvited’ the Labor member from a party event. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

It was to be attended by Ms D’Ambrosio and Treasurer Jaclyn Symes and was promoted as a “delicious Sri Lankan and multicultural melting pot buffet”.

Hours before the event Ms D’Ambrosio phoned the UFU worker, who had purchased a ticket, to say she would not be welcome.

“I think it’s really quite, quite inappropriate. So please don’t bother coming because you won’t be welcome,” she told the worker.

“I will be refunding your ticket

“There’s better ways to behave, I thought we had a much better relationship over the years.

“I find this highly disrespectful.”

Union secretary Peter Marhsall accused the minister of trying to shut down peaceful protest.

“I understand better than most people that unions and ALP Governments are not always going to be thrilled with one another. I understand this goes both ways,” he said.

United Firefighters Union Secretary Peter Marshall has accused the Minister of trying to shut down peaceful protest. Picture: Tony Gough

“Many members of the UFU, including staff, are members of the ALP.

“To deny them the right to campaign goes against the genesis of the ‘light on the hill’.

“I would encourage the minister in future to contact me directly rather than directing their unhappiness towards members of staff.

“The people who work here work hard and they do a good job. They are entitled to participate in ALP events – or those of other parties – as much as any other member.

“There was a time when the ALP welcomed young unionists into the party and encouraged diversity of thought.”

Firefighters are targeting 30 Labor-held seats across the state in the lead up to the 2026 election including Premier Jacinta Allan’s electorate of Bendigo East and the Niddrie seat of deputy premier Ben Carroll.

It has been described as the largest political campaign since the UFU rallied against Denis Napthine ahead of the 2014 election and centres on a protracted dispute over a new pay deal.

The last pay deal expired in 2021, and the union and government have been unable to negotiate a new agreement.