A dispute has emerged between the State Government and the Opposition over Country Fire Authority funding, following the release of the CFA’s 2024–25 Annual Report.
The Government says the report shows the CFA is stronger, better resourced and receiving its highest level of funding in five years, while the Opposition claims the figures reveal a real-terms funding cut once inflation and spending trends are considered.
In a statement released on January 20, Minister for Emergency Services Vicki Ward thanked CFA volunteers for their work preparing communities, fighting fires and supporting flood-affected areas across Victoria.
The Minister said CFA funding reached its highest level in five years during 2024–25, with grant funding increasing by nearly $22 million and total income rising by more than $26 million. The CFA’s asset base also grew by approximately $106 million.
Ms Ward said the funding growth meant more support for volunteers, additional equipment, and continued investment in stations, trucks and operational tools relied on during emergencies.
“The CFA is stronger, better funded and better resourced,” the Minister said, adding that misinformation surrounding the report risked undermining confidence in emergency services at a time when communities needed clear information
and reassurance.
However, the Opposition disputes the Government’s interpretation of the figures, arguing that when inflation is taken into account, CFA funding has fallen by $55 million since 2020.
The Nationals and Liberals say funding declined in the 2021–22, 2022–23 and 2023–24 financial years, despite repeated claims from Premier Jacinta Allan that CFA funding has only increased.
They argue the reported $22 million increase in grant income for 2024–25 equates to only about $10 million more than the CFA received in 2020–21, and that funding would need to be closer to $416 million to keep pace with inflation.
The Opposition also points to evidence given at Public Accounts and Estimates Committee hearings in November, which showed an additional $20.3 million was provided to cover the costs of responding to the Grampians and Little Desert fires.
Shadow Minister for Emergency Services and Leader of The Nationals Danny O’Brien said the report showed the CFA was now operating with a deficit of around $50 million.
He said spending on internal IT consultants and contractors had increased by $16 million, while funding for personal protective equipment and operational gear fell by
$8.3 million. Spending on volunteer compensation and insurance also fell by almost $14 million.
“The report shows that Jacinta Allan has cut the CFA’s funding by $55 million in real terms since 2020,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Instead of giving CFA volunteers the resources they deserve, Labor is more interested in spin and covering up mismanagement.”
Mr O’Brien also criticised
plans to recruit a senior communications role within the CFA, reportedly paying up to $430,000 a year,
arguing frontline resources
should be prioritised.
The Government has rejected claims of funding cuts, maintaining that increased investment has strengthened the CFA’s capacity and that volunteers are better supported through improved equipment, infrastructure and resources.
The debate comes as regional and rural communities, including those in East Gippsland, continue to place strong emphasis on the importance of well-funded and well-resourced emergency services following recent fire seasons and ongoing bushfire risks.
