Council
16 January, 2026
Volunteers call for urgent reform
MEMBERS of the CFA Volunteers Group (CFAVG) are calling for urgent structural reform on how these services are funded, equipped and supported.
The call comes on the back of the recent devasting fires across Victoria, and following repeated warnings that the state was not bushfire ready.
Secretary/treasurer of the CFAVG, Leigh Harry, said the recent fires – which destroyed homes, livestock and bushland, have once again exposed long-standing shortcomings in preparedness, particularly in regional and rural Victoria, where volunteer brigades form the backbone of the emergency response.
“Despite government claims of increased funding, the reality on the ground remains unchanged for many brigades,” Mr Harry said.
“Volunteers continue to respond using ageing appliances, under-resourced stations and outdated equipment, often in increasingly dangerous conditions.”
Mr Harry said many brigades still operate 30 year-old tankers, facilities often failed to meet the needs of female volunteers and that volunteers continue to face fatigue, retention pressure and increasing fire intensity.
“CFA volunteers acknowledge climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of extreme fire weather, but this makes preparedness more critical, not less,” he said.
“Rising risks demands better fuel management, modern appliances, fit-for-purpose stations and sustainable support for volunteers.”
Mr Harry said volunteers were not asking for praise they simply wanted action.
“We need long-term, guaranteed funding for volunteer brigades, modern appliances and upgraded stations, facilities to support all members, proper fuel management and preparedness planning.
“We also need full exemption for all volunteers from the ESVF tax. The bottom line is CFA volunteers will always turn up for their communities but goodwill and sacrifice are not a fire strategy.”
Mr Harry believes if Victoria was serious about bushfire safety, the government must “move beyond headlines and deliver real, long-term preparedness and support for the volunteers who form the backbone of the emergency response.”
