News 
Budget woes
By Adam Barnett, VFBV Chief Executive Officer
Many a politician has described budgets as not just being a collection of numbers on a page, but rather an expression of the government’s values, principles and aspirations. In fact, this year’s Victorian Budget papers are emblazoned with the motto “Focused On What Matters Most” so it is a telling and insightful reflection of this government’s priorities. And spoiler alert – it is clearly not volunteers, fire services or CFA that matters the most.
Despite documenting a record tax hike under its new Emergency Services Tax, less of that money is making its way to CFA than ever before.
The budget papers reveal the new tax will collect $1.6 billion dollars this year. This is the highest tax haul ever in the entire history of the preceding Fire Services Property Levy. So, with this record tax haul – surely CFA must be receiving a record-breaking budget? And if it were, government MPs would be very excited to tell everyone about it right?
So, what did this year’s Parliamentary Public Accounts and Estimates Committee (PAEC) inquiry into the 2025-26 budget estimates reveal over its two weeks of testimony from accountable Ministers?
If “I love you” are the three hardest words in the English language according to Hollywood and boybands, then “The CFA budget is….” must be the four hardest words for a Victorian MP to utter.
Despite hours and hours of testimony, neither the Premier, Treasurer nor Minister for Emergency Services were able to answer a very simple question - what is CFA’s base budget this year? Each handballed to the other, with the Premier’s testimony in particular - a sickening example of meaningless rhetoric dressed up as compassion and empathy that ultimately ignores the very people they claim to support.
The hearings confirmed that it will cost $12M a year to administer the new tax. That’s code for bureaucrats – and is $2M more than what they committed to add to the CFA budget for fleet. Only in Victoria would spending on bureaucracy be more important than fire trucks.
Their non-response on the CFA budget is inconsequential however, as it is actually quite easy to calculate. If anything – their refusal to confirm what can already be calculated is a clear sign they find themselves on shaky ground.
First, let’s look at the legislation itself. Section 12(d) of the applicable Act states that in the case of levy rates for each year subsequent to the 2024-2025 levy year – “(2B) The percentage of the annual funding requirements of the CFA and VicSES that are to be funded by the levy in a levy year is 95%.”
Then we move to Section 12(5A) which stipulates that the Minister must publish the amount in dollars forecast for each funding recipient.
This was done through Government Gazette, dated 30 May 2025, that confirmed that 95% of CFA’s forecast annual funding requirements for the upcoming year 2025/26 was $312,004,751.
This makes it very easy to calculate that 100% of the forecast funding requirements for CFA is: $328,426,053.68 or in other words - $328 million. So now we compare this figure against the figure that the Treasurer tabled in PAEC last year for CFA’s forecast budget for 2024/25 – which was $337.6 million.
You don’t have to be Einstein to figure out then that this year’s number is about $9 million less than the year before. That’s the sixth year in a row.
Now when you heard the Government spruiking its new Emergency Services Tax and how our emergency services and volunteers were working harder than ever and needing much more support to justify the huge tax increases being imposed on property owners, where in that did you see them admit they were increasing the taxes they were collecting but would actually be giving less money to Victoria’s largest volunteer emergency service whom they labelled their tax after? The extra money collected is now being diverted to Government departments and public sector employees, making a mockery that this new tax would be supporting Victoria’s front line emergency services. Don’t take my word for it, refer to the Government Gazette which now shows that only $1.1 billion of the $1.6 billion taxes collected are actually going to CFA, FRV and SES. The other $500M is now being sent to departments that used to already be funded under consolidated revenue which is not only $500M in new revenue, but an extra $500M they are no longer spending from consolidated revenue.
So, what would a real investment in CFA look like? Well – it would cost $515M to replace every single CFA truck in the fleet that is older than 20 years – even if you could do it all at once in a single year. How much did they actually commit from their record tax haul in extra funding? - $10M. That is not a typo. That’s just three fifths of one cent for every dollar collected.
Don’t fall for the $40M figure they bandy about – that is $10M over four years. Don’t fall for the $70M “rolling fleet” they bandy about. That’s the $10M a year for CFA (40), and $7.5M for SES over four years (30). And don’t fall for the $110M “rolling truck” figure they bandy about. That’s just the $70M over four years for CFA and SES plus the new $10M for FRV over four years. (40) Talk about how many ways can you spin a single depressingly tiny figure.
This is the reality of the new emergency services tax. Gouging the eyes out of Victorian property owners without actually addressing the fundamental issues of Victoria’s creaking old fire truck fleet.
So, if that won’t move the needle on this much needed investment what will it actually take? I shudder to think it will only take a fatality or serious injury when an old truck fails on the fire ground to spark action.
We must continue to call out the brazen spin and mischievous untruths that continue to pull the wool over the eyes of Victorians and how badly its fire service budgets are being managed. While the $10M investment is progress, VFBV will be redoubling its efforts to educate on the ageing CFA truck fleet and the looming catastrophe of a decade of fleet and budget mismanagement.
I have also recently reiterated VFBV’s support for the actions taken by the Municipal Association of Victoria in its opposition to the new tax. We have requested that councils show a pie chart on rates notices that clearly shows taxpayers how much of their emergency service tax is actually going to each emergency service. This will show how little is going to frontline services. Our analysis confirms that just 20% of the total revenue collected from this new tax will go towards CFA. 50% will go towards FRV. The remaining 30% is now being redirected away from the fire services – and will now fund other government entities.
Given it is CFA volunteers who will still be relying on fundraising to fund essential equipment, trucks and stations they require just to protect their communities – we must educate the public that only 20 cents in every dollar they are paying in the new tax will actually make its way to CFA.
We will continue our public advocacy on the new tax, and I want to thank each and every individual volunteer who has made contact with their local member of parliament to discuss the impacts the government’s new tax is having on their community, and the unfair treatment of CFA in the government’s budgeting process.
And while recent rains may take drought from front of mind for some, most of our members will know these very small rainfalls will have little to no impact on long-term drought conditions across Victoria. For those in the west of the state especially – conditions continue to be dire.
VFBV has prepared a Drought Relief resource guide to assist volunteers navigate what can be a very complex and confusing array of support. Our guide attempts to outline each of the supports available and where people can go to access more information.
Just like our flood and fire relief guides, the information is dynamic and changing daily – but this collection of information in one place is hoped to make a world of difference for those really struggling. Paper copies are available from the office, so please don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for one to be posted to you should you not be able to access our online resources.
On a positive note, there has been recent good engagement and discussion on the proposed revised CFA Regulations with government. Thank-you to all members who got in touch to highlight the issues of most concern to you and your brigade. While it is still too early to judge progress, I am happy with the level of consultation and engagement by Minister Ward and the Department to ensure they are very clear on the issues and which aspects may negatively affect volunteers.
For example, we continue to hold serious concerns about the imbalance of power between CFA and volunteers on matters such as injury compensation, and have advocated very strongly for changes that ensure volunteers have the same rights and protections as any other Victorian worker claiming for injury through Worksafe. Thank-you to each volunteer who has contributed to our advocacy on this issue and provided feedback to either us or EngageVictoria.
With private members bill’s entering the South Australian parliament to expand SA’s treatment of firefighters under their respective presumptive legislation scheme and the number of cancers covered, VFBV’s advocacy continues on Victoria’s scheme which now sees Victoria progressively falling behind. The SA bills also propose including PTSD in line with QLD, TAS and NT, and asbestos related cancers in line with QLD and NT.
Firefighters deserve protection from the risks they are forced to expose themselves to when rushing to the aid of their fellow citizens. Cancers do not discriminate depending on what side of a line on a map you happen to live, and neither should our cancer legislation.
While we have accomplished much, there still remains much to do.
VESEP Open
Applications are now open for the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP), with applications closing 28th July, 2025. VESEP provides grants of $2 for every $1 of Brigade or Group funding.
The popular VFBV Help Pack has been updated to assist brigades and groups with their applications and is available from the VFBV website with paper copies available up on request.
VESEP is designed for brigades to purchase essential operational equipment, vehicles and appliances and minor facility improvements.
The program offers five categories plus Statewide & DPC Local Initiatives: -
· Primary Response Appliances
· Specialist & Support Vehicles
· Operational Equipment
· Volunteer Amenities $<5K
· Minor Works $<250K.
Applications for minor works need to be registered with CFA Land and Building services before the 14th July to allow for proper scoping.
This is the programs 25th year, and was designed in close consultation with VFBV, with the intent of being a grants program designed by volunteers with minimal administration required from volunteers.
VFBV wishes everyone the best in their applications and will continue to assist and support you in protecting Victorian communities.
2025/26 Affiliations
Thank you to all affiliated brigades and groups last year in helping us stand up for volunteers.
Affiliation sends a strong message that volunteers are united and will work together to achieve positive outcomes that benefit not only brigades, but the broader community in which we all protect.
Those who pay before 31 July will be automatically entered into a draw to win one of four extremely worthwhile prizes valued at approximately $4,000. Prizes have been donated by GAAM and we sincerely thank them for their continued support.
2FA
CFA volunteers intending on claiming the volunteer rebate from the new Emergency Services Tax, will be required to first log-in to their CFA Members Online account (formerly Brigades Online). If you have never used your account or logged in this year, we highly recommend that you register and set-up your two-factor authentication (2FA) ASAP, as this will be required for you to progress in the rebate system.
Two factor authentication is a security process to ensure the security of CFA systems and guard against hackers. If you have online banking – you most likely have used 2FA before. But it takes a little setting up – so we highly encourage members to do this before rates notices go out.
Head to https://www.members.cfa.vic.gov.au/ to start the process.
VFBV has requested CFA refresh and update all its guides to ensure members have access to easy to follow information on how to set-up their accounts. CFA has advised this work is well progressed.
VFBV has also highlighted the issue with there being no planned way for a volunteer to apply for the rebate that does not involve accessing CFA and government online services. We believe the system must be able to accommodate those that do not have online access, and we continue to advocate for an alternative method for those affected.
VFBV Board Positions
Vacancies on the VFBV Board will arise when the terms of four VFBV Board members expire on the 1st October 2025. All are eligible for re-appointment.
VFBV invites applications from any CFA volunteer who is motivated by the prospect of making a difference and believes they have the skills to contribute to VFBV at the board level.
The role of a board member involves contributing to VFBV direction, policy determination and monitoring the performance and governance of the Association. This includes actively contributing to policy discussion, consulting with CFA volunteers and contributing to the identification and management of strategic issues.
VFBV is seeking applications from gender and culturally diverse candidates in addition to a diverse range of skills and experience including applications from diverse brigade types and classifications.
Members should familiarise themselves with the VFBV Board member role statement and key selection criteria available from the VFBV website or via the office at (03) 9886 1141.
Applications close on Monday 1st September 2025.
King’s Birthday Honours
VFBV extends its congratulations to the four CFA members who received the prestigious Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours.
Sharron Merritt AFSM was recognised for her leadership in CFA in establishing a large animal rescue unit at Macclesfield brigade.
Peter Langridge AFSM has been recognised for his leadership in transforming CFA’s health monitoring and firefighter rehabilitation through the establishment of rehabilitation units across the state.
Colin Brown AFSM has been instrumental in advancements in township protection plans, improvements to Incident Control Centres and the creating of the Your Emergency Services (YES) program in the Yarra Valley.
Tony Scicluna AFSM has played an instrumental role in developing and rolling out of minimum skills within CFA as well other training packages including chainsaw training and the updated General Firefighter training package.
VFBV’s congratulations are also extended to Andy Waterson from Fire Rescue Victoria and Shuan Lawlor from DEECA who also received the Australia Fire Service Medal. We also congratulate the current and former CFA members who have been honoured with the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) and as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).
Cert IV EOI
Expressions of interest are now open for members wishing to undertake a Certificate IV in Leadership and Management course. This course is an integral part of the Volunteer Leadership Development program.
The nationally accredited course equips graduates with transferable skills in essential leadership and management, enabling them to apply their knowledge across various roles, including those within CFA, the private sector, and community roles.
Whether you are an existing leader seeking further training or a formal qualification, or an aspiring leader looking to formalise your qualifications, this program offers a clear pathway to enhance your capabilities.
It is a 12 month program, predominately online and self-paced allowing flexibility. It requires a notional commitment of around 10 hours per week.
The EOI is open for those interested in participating in the August 2025 course or beyond. EOI’s are made to CFA by visiting the Volunteer Leadership Development page on Members Online.
Fire Wise – July 2025 online only edition
The July 2025 edition of Fire Wise has been published online only, this edition and past editions are available from the Fire Wise website.
You can support Fire Wise and the role it plays as an independent voice in keeping volunteers informed by becoming a subscriber. To become a subscriber visit the Fire Wise website or contact the Managing Editor of Fire Wise, Gordon Rippon-King either by phone 0402 051 412 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Recent articles on the VFBV website
2025 VESEP Applications Now Open and VFBV Help Pack
VFBV Board Vacancies 2025 – Invitation to apply
Emergency Services Tax Forecast Funding
Certificate IV in Leadership and Management EOI
Presumptive Legislation Update
Enjoy the VFBV monthly newsletter?
If you enjoy reading the VFBV newsletter each month, why not share it with your fellow volunteers?
Either share this page with others who may enjoy the articles or encourage other volunteers to sign up to receive their own copy via email each month here.
Want to read the VFBV 2-minute briefings from the CFA/VFBV Joint Committees?
The latest edition along with previous editions can be downloaded from the VFBV website here.
