The devastation of the Black Saturday Victorian bushfires at Diamond Creek will forever be etched in Malcolm Turnbull's memory.
The prime minister applauded the bravery of the 19,000 Country Fire Authority volunteers who stood between Victorians and the 2009 infernos across the state.
It was now his government's duty to stand by those courageous men and women, Mr Turnbull declared, as he took his election campaign to Melbourne.
"Your heroism was the best of Australia," Mr Turnbull told the rally where hundreds of volunteers formed a sea of yellow in their uniforms.
"We stand with you."
If re-elected to government, the coalition would intervene in the CFA's dispute with the state government and firefighters' union.
Volunteers are angry a proposed enterprise agreement could hand the union unprecedented veto power affecting the CFA's general operations and culture.
It was a scene reminiscent of former prime minister John Howard joining forces with angry Tasmanian timber workers against Labor's forestry policy during the 2004 election.
Mr Turnbull accused state Labor Premier Daniel Andrews of an "extraordinary assault on fundamental Australian values and community service".
"The idea that you would be overruled ... subordinated to the UFU (United Firefighters Union) is incredible," Mr Turnbull said.
He vowed swift action similar to the recent abolition of Labor's road safety remuneration tribunal, after its ruling threatened owner-driver truckies' livelihoods.
"You saw how we acted, and we abolished that tribunal and we kept those families going and we kept their rigs on the road," Mr Turnbull said, flagging changes to the Fair Work Act.
After the rally, Mr Turnbull turned his attention to another iconic Australian institution - the Returned Services League and its centenary commemorations - but this time politics was pushed to the side.
Mr Turnbull and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten laid floral wreaths at the Shrine of Remembrance, putting their hands on their hearts during a moment of quiet reflection.
Mr Turnbull was visibly overcome with emotion after the ceremony.
"The RSL honours our warriors, their families and cares for them, it has done the most remarkable service over 100 years," Mr Turnbull said.
Mr Shorten said the RSL had assisted millions of Australians and he was proud to participate in the ceremony with his political opponent.
"There are some things in this country that are more important than the things that divide us," Mr Shorten said.
The pair are expected to address an RSL conference in Melbourne on Monday.
