In short:
Victoria’s ageing fire truck fleet has returned as a key issue ahead of the 2026 state election, with the Coalition promising 335 new CFA trucks. Labor and One Nation have competing plans as controversy continues over the state’s emergency services levy.
Long-standing Issue At Election Forefront
Victoria’s ageing fire truck fleet has returned as a key state election issue, with the Coalition and One Nation outlining plans to modernise firefighting equipment as Labor faces continued scrutiny over its 12 years in government.
Opposition Leader Jess Wilson has announced a $200 million commitment to deliver 335 new CFA trucks over five years, alongside 17 new and upgraded fire stations.
The Coalition also aims to recruit 10,000 volunteers over a decade and establish an Emergency Services Volunteer Ombudsman.
The replacement program would begin on 1 July 2027, with plans to eventually deliver 100 new trucks annually.
According to the Victorian Auditor-General, 57 per cent of CFA and Fire Rescue Victoria trucks are at least 15 years old.
Labor Faces Pressure Over Fleet
Labor announced its own $167 million election commitment in October, promising 150 new fire trucks across the CFA and Fire Rescue Victoria by 2030.
The government also announced more than $31 million for volunteer emergency services equipment and facilities, alongside $53 million for additional firefighting aircraft and personnel ahead of summer.
However, after 12 years in government, Labor continues to face criticism over ageing vehicles, declining CFA volunteer numbers and emergency services funding, particularly in regional Victoria.
One Nation has proposed mandatory fleet replacement targets, including retiring CFA trucks after 20 years and maintaining an average fleet age of 10 years.
Its policy also includes improved communications technology and stronger emergency services planning in growing communities.
Controversial Levy Fuels Anger
The election promises come amid continuing controversy surrounding Labor’s Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund, introduced on 1 July 2025.
The levy sparked widespread protests across regional Victoria, with farmers and CFA volunteers demonstrating against increased charges.
Labor subsequently introduced relief measures for eligible farmers and emergency services volunteers.
The Coalition has pledged to scrap the levy and restore the previous Fire Services Property Levy model, while One Nation wants it replaced with a more transparent funding system.
Labor argues abolishing the levy would threaten billions of dollars in emergency services funding, raising questions about how the Coalition would fund its commitments under the previous model.
With another bushfire season approaching, the competing commitments place renewed attention on the condition of Victoria’s firefighting fleet and the funding needed to replace ageing equipment.
