• Victorian has the highest level of fire services funding in Australia
• Victorian Coalition Government has provided the CFA with more than $1.84 billion
• Coalition Government protecting our community

A new report shows that under a Coalition Government, fire services are the best funded and resourced nationally, Minister for Police and Emergency Services Kim Wells announced today.

The annual Report on Government Services (RoGS) released today shows that Victoria – compared to other states – has the highest number of employed firefighting and fire support personnel.

Victoria has also retained its national ranking as the state with the highest level of funding for its fire service organisations – including CFA, MFB and DEPI – at $1.15 billion.

“These results are welcome but unsurprising to the Victorian Coalition Government which has always had a strong commitment to its fire services,” Mr Wells said.

“As I travel the state visiting the many fire stations across Victoria, I am impressed by the enthusiasm and dedication of our firefighters, especially our volunteers.

“Since 2010-11 the Coalition Government has provided the CFA with more than $1.84 billion.

This financial year the CFA Budget is $446 million, which is an increase of $30 million on the previous financial year. This represents a cumulative increase of $201.9 million in budget funding since Labor’s last year in office.

“The Coalition Government has provided the MFB with over $1.13 billion since 2010-11, with budget funding increased by a cumulative total of $64.9 million since Labor’s last year in office.

“The Coalition Government will always provide the tools and resources our fire services need to perform their job.

“We have provided record funding of $12.23 million for the 2013-14 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) which supports volunteer emergency services organisations to purchase equipment they might be otherwise unable to afford.”

The Coalition Government is on track to deliver its election commitment to replacing dilapidated and ageing rural fire stations across the state with $61 million provided in 2013- 14. This follows a further $64.8 million investment provided in 2011-12.

“The Coalition Government will continue to ensure our emergency services volunteers are equipped to respond safely and effectively to emergencies such as storms, floods and bushfires,” Mr Wells said.