Emergency Services betrayed by Labor’s budget cuts

The Nationals Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, has slammed the Allan Labor Government following revelations of devastating cuts to Victoria’s fire and emergency services.

Mr McCurdy said regional communities would bear the brunt of Labor’s decision to redistribute emergency services funding under the new $1.55 billion Emergency Services Levy, confirming sweeping reductions across key agencies.

“Labor’s priorities are backwards. At a time when we should be strengthening emergency response and volunteer support, this government is pulling the rug out from under our CFA, VicSES and FRV,” Mr McCurdy said.

According to published budget figures, CFA’s funding will drop by $42 million compared to the 2023–24 budget. VicSES is set to lose $8.4 million, and Fire Rescue Victoria faces a massive $115 million cut.

“These aren’t just numbers on a page — they represent fewer trucks, delayed station upgrades, and reduced support for the dedicated volunteers and personnel who put their lives on the line to protect us,” Mr McCurdy said.

Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria have already raised the alarm, warning that planning has been thrown into chaos, with decisions on new equipment and infrastructure now in limbo.

“It’s deeply concerning that the government is denying the reality shown in its own documents,” Mr McCurdy said. “Communities across the Ovens Valley and beyond deserve transparency and trust, not spin and confusion.”

“The Nationals will continue to fight for genuine investment in emergency services and demand that the Allan Government come clean on its funding priorities,” Mr McCurdy said.

Labor can't manage money, and Victorians are paying the price.