Victoria’s Parliamentary Budget Office analysis shows CFA grants fell from $351.6 million in 2020-21 to $339.5 million in 2023-24, contradicting Premier Jacinta Allan’s claims of yearly funding increases since the 2020 reforms.
The government insists overall CFA budgets have grown, citing extra $20.3 million this year plus prior investments in readiness and trucks, while opposition leaders accuse Allan of misleading volunteers.
Critics point to ageing equipment like 800 outdated trucks, as a second PBO report adds to the dispute during ongoing bushfire recovery.
