I WANT to set the record straight on reports regarding the CFA’s funding. I know it has caused some fear and anger in our regional communities.
Reports of an almost $70m cut from the CFA are wrong.
Every year, a certain amount of money within our emergency services’ budgets is earmarked for specific projects and services – like funding for the rollout of 18,000 new Motorola radios to brigades.
Setting aside these funds isn’t a cut. Every dollar of these quarantined amounts is spent on CFA – directly benefitting the CFA and their volunteers.
Government departments manage many of these projects and they pay the bill. It streamlines administration and takes the burden off emergency services so they can focus on what they do best – keeping Victorians safe.
This year, more than $337 million in CFA base funding has been allocated – an increase of almost $17 million on the comparable figure last year.
This doesn’t include the money we invest on top of this on new trucks, uniforms and upgrading stations.
The Fire Services Property Levy funds almost 78 per cent of the CFA’s total funding needs – not 25 per cent.
I know National Party members are out there with their negativity trying to spin a false narrative about cuts.
They should support, not scare country communities and stick to the facts. Labor has delivered 80 new tankers since 2018, 22 are being built and 15 pumpers are on order. The Nationals didn’t fund a single truck in their last few years in government, and they slashed $66 million from the CFA budget whilst in office.
It’s disappointing that I must correct this unhelpful misinformation, but it’s a further opportunity to recognise and thank our amazing CFA brigades and all emergency services. I want you to know our Government will always give you what you need to continue keeping Victorians safe.
Jaclyn Symes
Minister for Emergency Services
