SOPHIE Mirabella remains steadfast in her support for Country Fire Authority volunteers heading into an election day which will make or break her political career.
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The Liberal candidate is trying to wrest back the seat she lost to independent Cathy McGowan in a defeat which cost her a position in the Coalition government ministry for the past three years.
Unlike 2013, Mrs Mirabella has been the underdog in a campaign which has again largely centred on her and Ms McGowan.
"I'm a bit nervous, but I am overwhelmed by the warm support I've received at the pre-polling centres," Mrs Mirabella said.
"There is so much to do for our region in terms of jobs, infrastructure and services.
"I hope I can get the chance to deliver as part of Malcolm Turnbull's team."
As has been the case in other Victorian marginal seats, the CFA issue has been at the forefront of the voters in Indi.
The focus intensified this week when Mrs Mirabella's husband Greg was roundly criticised for wearing a CFA cap at pre-polling centres.
Also, a "robocall" went out in Indi on Thursday night with the recorded message stating in part: "Mr Turnbull has promised that he’ll use federal powers to oppose the union takeover of the CFA and Sophie Mirabella is the only candidate for Indi who has promised the same.
"Only a vote for Sophie Mirabella will help protect our CFA."
Mrs Mirabella said CFA volunteers should not be "bullied into silence".
"They need to stand up for our communities and I unreservedly support them," she said.
"Everyone knows Daniel Andrews has sold out the CFA volunteers to the unions and Malcolm Turnbull has committed to the first order of business of the new parliament being to pass laws to protect volunteers.
"Just like he listened to our local concerns with owner truck drivers in abolishing the RSRT, I know he will deliver for the CFA."
Mrs Mirabella's well-publicised Wangaratta hospital gaffe in late April threatened to derail her campaign at the time.
But it has barely been mentioned by her rivals in the ensuing weeks of the campaign.
The slip up also has not stopped a steady stream of Liberal ministers to Indi including deputy leader Julie Bishop, treasurer Scott Morrison, Mitch Fifield, Kelly O'Dwyer and Dan Tehan as predicted in some quarters.
