The Allan Labor Government is cutting emergency services funding by more than $200 million next year – despite introducing a punishing new Emergency Services Tax expected to raise an extra $600 million.
Nationals Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, has slammed the move, saying local CFA brigades are being short-changed yet again, even as families, farmers, and small businesses are forced to pay more.
“Labor promised this new tax would improve emergency services – but the numbers don’t lie. Funding is going backwards, and our local CFA brigades are bearing the brunt,” Ms Cleeland said.
“This is a blatant cash grab. The government is growing bureaucracy while leaving volunteers without the tools, trucks, or basic facilities they need to protect our communities.”
According to the budget papers, just $13.5 million has been allocated for regional CFA station upgrades — and not a single new tanker is mentioned in the forward estimates. In contrast, $10 million a year is going to FRV fleet replacements, and another $10 million to Forest Fire Management Victoria — all now funded by the same tax.
Ms Cleeland highlighted the dire conditions at Strathbogie CFA as just one example of Labor’s neglect.
“They’re operating from a shed with no toilets, no running water, and no changerooms – despite having multiple female volunteers. They’re in a high-risk bushfire zone and have been begging for help for nearly a decade,” she said.
Last year, internal documents revealed 193 CFA vehicles are over 30 years old and 429 are over 25 years old – a damning snapshot of the ageing fleet our volunteers rely on.
“I’ve spoken directly with brigades across our region. They feel abandoned,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Some are relying on trucks older than the people driving them.”
Even the CFA itself has admitted it is “left in limbo,” with no clear guidance from government on future funding.
“This is not how you treat the people who put their lives on the line for us,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Every dollar from this tax should be going to the frontline. Instead, Labor is using it to plug budget holes and prop up bureaucracy while leaving our volunteer brigades to beg for scraps.”
Concerned community members can voice their opposition to the Emergency Services Tax at http://scrapthetax.com.au or contact Ms Cleeland’s office on (03) 5762 1600 or annabelle.cleeland@parliament.vic.gov.au.