SES receives $10 million funding cut as demand increases

8 December 2025

The Nationals Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland MP has criticised the Allan Labor Government for cutting $10 million from Victoria’s State Emergency Service (SES) at a time when demand for emergency response is skyrocketing.

The SES 2024–25 Annual Report, tabled in Parliament, confirms the service is now operating with reduced funding despite recording one of its busiest years on record – particularly in the support it provides to other emergency agencies.

Ms Cleeland said the cut places even greater strain on volunteer units across regional Victoria, including those in the Euroa electorate.

“The Allan Labor Government used the SES as the poster child to sell its $3 billion Emergency Services Tax to Victorians, only to take with one hand and cut funding with the other when demand on volunteers is surging,” Ms Cleeland said.

“Our SES volunteers are the people who show up at all hours, in all conditions, to keep our communities safe.

“They don’t ask for much, just the resources and support they need to do their jobs. Cutting $10 million from the SES when callouts are rising is reckless and deeply unfair on the volunteers who carry this workload.”

Ms Cleeland said it was concerning to see the Minister refuse to acknowledge the cut despite it being clearly outlined in the Annual Report*.

“The numbers are there in black and white. When demand is up, funding should not be going backwards,” Ms Cleeland said.

“This decision means fewer resources on the ground, slower response times for families who need help, and more pressure on volunteers who are already stretched thin.”

Ms Cleeland said the SES plays a crucial role in local emergency response – from storm damage and road rescues to supporting major emergencies – and should be properly supported.

“Our communities rely on the SES. They deserve a government that takes emergency services seriously, rather than one that continues to short-change the very volunteers who keep us safe.”

*p 84, “Operating Grant Income victoria-state-emergency-service-authority-annual-report-2024-25.pdf