As we head into one of the most dangerous fire seasons in years, a new report has confirmed serious staffing shortages across the CFA, including Gippsland.
The Fire Services Implementation Monitor’s 2024–25 Annual Report makes clear that vacancies, fatigue and a lack of senior operational staff are now entrenched.
Local brigades have been warning for years that the secondment model with Fire Rescue Victoria is failing to provide the staffing and leadership they need.
When experienced decision-makers aren’t available, response times slow and that is something Gippslanders simply can’t afford.
To make matters worse, the Allan Labor Government still hasn’t provided clear answers on why Forest Fire Management Victoria’s G-Wagon fleet remains grounded, where it plans to get replacements or how many CFA brigades have been asked to loan appliances.
With fire conditions already escalating, the Allan Labor Government must urgently act on the Monitor’s recommendations and properly resource the CFA.
Gippslanders should not be left carrying the risk of Labor’s mismanagement.