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Late-Tabled CFA Report Shows Grant Boost, Ongoing Deficit

The late report intensifies a funding dispute, with higher grants alongside continuing deficits plus fewer volunteers.

Overview

  • The 2024–25 annual report, released after a delay, records $361.3 million in state grants for the CFA, the highest level in five years.
  • Despite the increased grants, the CFA posted a net operating loss of about $50 million in 2024–25 after a larger deficit the previous year.
  • The PBO found grants fell from $351.6 million in 2020–21 to $339.5 million in 2023–24, underpinning Opposition claims of cuts that the Premier rejects.
  • VAGO said it was not responsible for the late release, with the finalised report sent to the department in November and received by the minister in December.
  • The accounts include $72.4 million in services provided free by Fire Rescue Victoria, and operational volunteer numbers declined to 28,753.