Community
23 January, 2026
Volunteers group pleads for support
THE CFA Volunteers Group committee (CFAVG) has called on the Victorian Government to demonstrate transparency and leadership in addressing a series of escalating issues impacting Country Fire Authority (CFA) volunteers, operational capability and community safety across Victoria.
CFAVG president John Houston said volunteers simply want a fair go.
“CFA volunteers are the heart of Victoria’s emergency response system,” he said.
“It’s time for the government to stop ignoring the issues and start listening to the thousands of dedicated men and women who give up their time to protect their communities.
“We are simply asking for fairness, transparency, and action.”
Among the concerns the CFAVG have expressed was the continued delay in the release of the 2024/25 CFA Annual Report, saying delays raise serious concerns of what Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Emergency Services Vicki Ward do not want the public to know while undermining the confidence and transparency in one of Victoria’s most trusted volunteer-based institutions.
The CFAVG, alongside the United Firefighters Union (UFU), is formally calling for a Parliamentary Inquiry into the state of Victoria’s fire services, as opposed to an internal review.
A public petition has been launched to demand the government answers, which at the time of publication has amassed more than 7700 signatures.
Among the concerns raised through the petition was the aging CFA vehicle and equipment fleet, with many brigades relying on trucks averaging more than 25 years-old.
The CFAVG has called for an urgent review of CFA’s asset management strategy and the establishment of minimum standards for fleet, stations and equipment to ensure all brigades can meet modern operational demands safely and effectively.
The Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program remains an essential support tool to allocate funding, but the committee believes the current funding allocations disproportionately favour larger brigades – resulting in a call for an urgent review of the program to address disparities and inequities, particularly to ensure smaller rural brigades are given a fair opportunity to upgrade their facilities and equipment.
The increased costs on volunteers under the Victoria Government’s Emergency Services Volunteer Fund (ESVF) Levy continue to also be a point of emphasis for the group, which has urged the government to explore full exemptions for active CFA volunteers.
The coalescence of factors has also taken a toll on volunteer morale, recruitment and retention.
The CFAVG has said the State Government must invest in the CFA volunteer base to ensure the service remains strong, sustainable and representative of the communities it protects.
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