In short:
The CFA has rejected claims it is underfunded or unprepared for the current fire season, saying its budget has increased every year since 2020. The agency says additional seasonal funding has been secured to support frontline readiness and community awareness as bushfire conditions remain challenging across Victoria.
Funding debate escalates during fire season
The Country Fire Authority (CFA) has rejected claims circulating online and in political commentary that funding has been cut or that brigades are unprepared for the current fire season.
In a statement released on behalf of the CFA Board and Chief Executive Officer Greg Leach AFSM, the organisation says its budget has increased every year since fire services reform in 2020, including an additional $20.3 million in the current financial year.
The CFA says further funding was secured ahead of summer after advice from the Chief Officer, with the Board obtaining $11.6 million in supplementary funding from the State Government. That funding is being directed toward strengthening strategic bulk water supply and supporting the statewide Get Fire Ready community awareness campaign.
According to the CFA, investment in frontline capability remains ongoing, including new and replacement fire stations, fire trucks and protective equipment. The organisation says it continues to work with the state government on further fleet and resource upgrades.
The statement is issued amid wider debate over emergency services funding as Victoria experiences a demanding fire season. The United Firefighters Union has warned the state is “not bushfire ready”, citing concerns about fleet age and fuel-reduction burning. The union claims hundreds of CFA appliances are beyond their intended replacement age and has criticised the emergency services levy, arguing it has not resulted in sufficient frontline improvements.
Reports have also emerged that some firefighting resources currently in use are more than 30 years old, with claims that some trucks lack working air-conditioning during extreme heat.
Opposition MPs have pointed to parliamentary budget documents and committee hearings, alleging cuts across emergency service agencies and warning of staffing pressures. Nationals Leader and Shadow Minister for Emergency Services Danny O’Brien has said reduced budgets and workforce fatigue present safety risks as fire danger increases.
The CFA disputes claims it is underfunded or ill-prepared, saying sustained funding growth and targeted seasonal investment have strengthened readiness across Victoria. While some volunteers have raised concerns about truck reliability, the Premier has said any vehicles deployed on a fireground are safe.
The CFA says its priority remains supporting volunteers and staff, maintaining operational equipment and keeping communities informed as fire conditions remain volatile.
