Australian Story on ABC and ABC iview profiles Rob Armstrong – Farmer Rob Armstrong was terrified of public speaking and had no intention of wading into political issues.
But a levy proposed by the Victorian government propelled the sheep farmer into action and he found himself leading protest rallies outside Parliament House in Melbourne.
“I became an accidental leader,”
– Armstrong tells Australian Story.
“And I’m glad that I’m out there fighting for other people.”
The levy’s aim was to fund services to respond to the increase in flood, storm and fire events,but it hit the very people volunteering to fight the fires hardest: farmers.
“What’s right about that?”
– asks Rob.
Along the way Rob had to face a dark secret –a childhood event where he, his siblings and a neighbour were almost killed in a bushfire.
Badly burnt, they were rescued by a volunteer firefighter, also a farmer.
Partner Sunny Berry believes this experience has motivated Rob’s campaign.
“It is the fear that people won’t volunteer if the levy comes in.”
While the new levy is now on hold, for the first time Rob and his siblings have begun to confront their buried childhood trauma and acknowledge the emotional toll it took.
Australian Story on ABC and ABC iview – Monday 25 May, 2026 at 8.00pm
Media Release – ABC
TV Central ABC content HERE
Australian Story on ABC and ABC iview profiles Rob Armstrong
