The CFA's Annual Report Delayed: Allan Defends Funding Amidst Financial Challenges
January 20, 2026
The Country Fire Authority (CFA) faced a funding boost last year, according to a delayed annual report, reversing a downward trend that began in 2020. Government grants to this volunteer emergency service reached $361.3 million in 2024-25, a significant increase from the previous year's $339 million.
However, this positive development comes with a twist. Premier Jacinta Allan had previously claimed that funding had been increasing annually, but the report reveals annual decreases between 2020-21 and 2023-24. The report's delayed release sparked controversy, with Allan and Emergency Services Minister Vicki Ward accusing the opposition of spreading misinformation.
The CFA's annual report, which should have been public last year, was finally tabled in parliament on Tuesday. This delay was attributed to auditing processes, but the Victorian Auditor-General's Office (VAGO) clarified that it was not responsible for the unusual release timing.
The CFA's finalized report was submitted to the Department of Justice and Community Safety in November and received by Minister Ward in December. CFA Chief Executive Greg Leach emphasized the organization's focus on financial sustainability and asset management in his foreword.
Despite the increased funding, the CFA has faced operating deficits in the last two years. The 2024-25 report recorded a net operating loss of $50.8 million, a slight improvement from the previous year's $64.7 million loss. This highlights the ongoing financial challenges faced by the CFA despite the recent funding boost.
