Victorians are being forced to pay more for fire services while receiving significantly less protection, as the state faces an alarming decline in volunteer firefighter numbers.
A new report has revealed that since Labor came to power in 2014, Victoria’s volunteer firefighter workforce has plummeted by more than 20 per cent, leaving just 28,906 operational CFA volunteers—less than half of New South Wales’ 67,569-strong volunteer force.
At the same time, the cost of firefighting services in Victoria has doubled over the past decade.
The Nationals’ Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, said the Allan Labor Government has systematically weakened the CFA, putting communities at risk while driving up costs for taxpayers.
“Not only are we less safe under Labor, but we’re paying more for it,” Ms Cleeland said.
“The CFA has lost its autonomy, volunteers are being forced to rely on 30-year-old trucks, and yet Victorians are paying twice as much for fire services as we were a decade ago.”
Ms Cleeland, who has been meeting with CFA brigade captains and volunteers across her electorate, said concerns about aging vehicles and dwindling support from the Labor Government are widespread.
“Brigades are struggling with outdated equipment, recruitment challenges, and a culture that has deteriorated under Labor’s mismanagement,” she said.
Ms Cleeland said the comparison with New South Wales highlights the scale of Victoria’s fire service crisis.
“It is staggering that Victoria has less than half the CFA volunteers of New South Wales, despite having comparable fire risk,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Volunteers are the backbone of firefighting, especially in rural and regional areas. Labor’s neglect is not just an insult to these dedicated men and women—it’s a serious public safety failure.”
To make matters worse, the Allan Labor Government is pressing ahead with a controversial plan to scrap the Fire Services Property Levy and replace it with a new tax—the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund—from July 1.
“For the first time, Victorians will be forced to pay a levy for core government services like Triple Zero and Emergency Management Victoria—because Labor can’t manage money and can’t manage our fire services,” Ms Cleeland said.
Ms Cleeland will continue meeting with CFA brigades across her electorate in the coming months to hear firsthand about the challenges they face and fight for the funding and resources they need.
