One Nation believes ‘tide is turning’ in its favour as Jacinta Allan faces backlash over Victoria’s bushfires

Firefighters have been praised for their efforts in containing Victoria’s bushfires, but criticism of the government’s response – and its funding of the CFA – has been relentless. Photograph: Steve Womersley/The Guardian

Last week, in the bushfire-ravaged Victorian town of Alexandra, a small but angry group of locals gathered outside a hospital where the premier, Jacinta Allan, was holding a press conference.

After demanding to speak with her, incorrectly claiming she deliberately cut internet access ahead of the event, the group surrounded a car carrying the treasurer, Jaclyn Symes – mistakenly believing Allan was inside – and blocked it from leaving.