Questions without notice and ministers statements
Danny O’BRIEN (Gippsland South) (18:06): My question is to the Premier. In a radio interview on 20 January the Minister for Emergency Services said, in relation to CFA funding:
It’s just that it’s complicated. Emergencies are complicated. Emergency services are complicated. We’re focused on readiness, we’re not about focusing on spreadsheets.
Is the reason the CFA budget has been cut by $55 million in real terms since 2021 because the government has taken its eye off the spreadsheets?
Jacinta Allan: On a point of order, Speaker, I refer you to my previous point of order about questions being factual. As you ruled on that point of order, you said there was an assumption that is made in the question and I had the opportunity to correct that assumption, which I have done, in making it absolutely clear that the false claim that has been repeated in this question is –
A member interjected.
Jacinta Allan: Yes, I am making a point of order.
The SPEAKER: Premier, through the Chair.
Jacinta Allan: Thank you, Speaker. I was just looking forward to the opportunity to make my point of order. As I have done in answering previous questions, I have made it absolutely clear that the claim that is being made in this question and in the previous question is wrong. As such, I have pointed to the evidence that is provided in both the 2024–25 annual report and the statement from the CFA board. Therefore I ask that you require the member for Gippsland South to reword his question so that it is factual and accurate.
The SPEAKER: In relation to the Premier’s point of order, it is the Premier’s prerogative to answer the question in any way she chooses. If she wishes to discredit the question as not a statement of fact, she is entitled to do so. I do not uphold the point of order.
Danny O’BRIEN (Gippsland South) (18:10): What is the CFA budget for 2025–26?