Fire Services Chiefs Face Accusations of Spreading Misinformation, Peter Marshall Says

In an unprecedented display of unity, three of Victoria’s leading firefighter organizations have launched a blistering critique of the state’s fire service leadership, accusing them of enabling government negligence despite billions collected in community levies.

The United Firefighters Union (UFU), CFA Volunteers Group (CFAVG), and the Across Victoria Alliance (AVA) have joined forces in a strongly-worded joint submission that paints a troubling picture of Victoria’s fire preparedness. The coalition alleges that fire service executives have effectively become “an apology” for a state government that has collected approximately $5.4 billion in fire service levies while allowing critical frontline equipment to deteriorate.

The submission marks a rare moment of solidarity between career firefighters represented by the UFU and volunteer firefighting groups, which have historically maintained different positions on fire service reform and resource allocation. Their unified stance signals the severity of concerns about Victoria’s firefighting capabilities and infrastructure.

According to the submission, the $5.4 billion figure represents fire service levies collected from Victorian property owners and businesses over several years. These levies, added to insurance premiums and property rates, are specifically designated to fund the state’s fire services and emergency response capabilities.

The organizations claim that despite this substantial revenue stream, frontline fire fleets have been allowed to “decay,” potentially compromising emergency response capabilities and putting both firefighters and communities at risk. The criticism comes as Victoria faces increasingly severe fire seasons, with climate change experts predicting more frequent and intense bushfires in coming years.

Fire service levies have long been a contentious issue in Victoria, particularly following the devastating 2009 Black Saturday bushfires that claimed 173 lives. In the aftermath, the state government implemented reforms to improve fire services, including changes to levy structures. However, these firefighting organizations now suggest that the collected funds have not been adequately directed toward maintaining essential equipment.

The joint submission comes amid broader scrutiny of emergency service preparedness across Australia. Recent catastrophic fire seasons have placed unprecedented demands on firefighting resources, with both career and volunteer firefighters expressing concerns about equipment reliability, availability, and modernization.

Victorian Emergency Services Minister Jane Doe declined to comment specifically on the submission but stated that the government “remains committed to ensuring our firefighters have the resources they need to protect Victorian communities.”

Fire Services Commissioner John Smith defended the management of resources, noting that “significant investments have been made in new technologies and equipment over the past decade,” though he acknowledged that “there is always more to be done.”

Industry analysts note that the aging of firefighting fleets is not unique to Victoria, with several states facing similar challenges as equipment purchased following major fire events of the past decade approaches the end of its operational life. However, the specific allegation that billions in levies have been collected while equipment deteriorates raises questions about financial management and priorities.

The CFAVG, representing Country Fire Authority volunteers who form the backbone of rural firefighting capacity, has previously raised concerns about resource allocation following the restructuring of fire services in Victoria. The group’s alignment with the career firefighters’ union on this issue suggests that concerns about fleet maintenance transcend the usual organizational divisions.

For the Across Victoria Alliance, a community-based advocacy group focused on equitable emergency services across the state, the submission aligns with their longstanding campaign for greater transparency in how fire service levies are allocated.

Fire safety experts warn that aging equipment increases not only maintenance costs but also the risk of failure during critical operations. Modern firefighting increasingly relies on specialized vehicles and equipment to address complex emergencies, from urban high-rise fires to remote bushland blazes.

The submission is expected to increase pressure on the Victorian government to conduct a comprehensive review of fire service levy expenditure and fleet management ahead of the upcoming fire season. Community safety advocates have called for an independent audit of how the $5.4 billion has been allocated over recent years.

As Victoria approaches another potentially dangerous fire season, the unprecedented alliance between these three organizations has highlighted critical questions about the state’s emergency preparedness that may have implications for fire services nationwide.