General News
17 January, 2026
CFA funding defended during premier’s visit
The issue of government funding for the Victorian CFA volunteer organisation was raised during premier Jacinta Allan's visit to Natimuk after a fire devastated the region on Friday, January 9.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan quickly supported volunteers and championed their dedication after a devastating fire in Natimuk, the surrounding communities, and across Victoria.
"We will, of course, be talking about the devastation," he said during a press conference on Monday, January 12, at the Natimuk Fire Brigade.
"But let's also talk about the saves."
He highlighted the efforts of volunteers in protecting the Aged Care facility and residents in Natimuk, and their hard work behind the scenes, which is often not recognised, before addressing funding.
Mr Heffernan reiterated the premier's response that the safety of CFA volunteers was also a priority.
He said that, in addition to usual government funding, when he approached the government last spring for additional funding for programs needed before the fire season, the funding was granted.
Mr Heffernan believed these programs had been used well in the current fire response.
"I can confirm that the government provided $20 million more funding in the 2025-2026 budget as well as the additional funding we requested," he said.
He said he could also confirm that annual increases in the CFA budget had been ongoing.
Chief Heffernan explained the maintenance program within the CFA network and said he was confident that repairs and damage had been identified, reported promptly, and addressed accordingly.
"We have a mechanic on the fire ground now to support our firefighters,” he said.
"We have 167 new fire trucks on order to ensure we are providing fit-for-purpose equipment to our volunteers.
"While we will welcome these into the CFA network, we are aware there are some availability issues in production."
He said it was the CFA's responsibility to work with the government on funding and risk assessment, and that it would continue to do so.
"Our job is fire response," Mr Heffernan said.
The premier said she was aware of misinformation in the public forum about CFA funding and that, if it continued, it would add to the stress and trauma for people impacted by the fires and for volunteers.
She said she hoped that, with the correct information reported as confirmed by Chief Heffernan, the public would be assured that the government would always provide the necessary resources in the budget.
Current statistics show that the CFA budget has increased year-on-year since 2020, with an additional 20.3 million dollars allocated for the current financial year.
That funding had been supplemented by an additional $11.6 million from the State Government to enhance community preparedness and readiness.
Mr Heffernan did not say whether the funding was adequate, but noted that the CFA continued to advocate for more investment in fleet and equipment to ensure the safety and effectiveness of volunteers and operations.
In addition to the government funding announced on January 12 for Victorians impacted by the fires, the premier announced on Thursday, January 15, that $50 million in funding for the agricultural sector would be available, with grants up to $75,000 to help with the initial clean-up.
The premier said concessional loans of up to $250,000 would be available for primary producers impacted by the current fires.