Key Funding Details
The Country Fire Authority (CFA) experienced an increase in government grants last year, according to a recently tabled annual report. This increase follows a period of consecutive funding cuts and a downward trend that commenced in 2020.
For the 2024-25 fiscal year, government grants allocated to the volunteer emergency service totaled $361.3 million. This amount represents an increase from the $339 million provided in the preceding year.
Context and Statements
The reported funding increase occurred after annual decreases in funding between the 2020-21 and 2023-24 financial years. Premier Jacinta Allan had previously stated that CFA funding had increased every year.
The CFA annual report, which had been delayed from last year, was presented to parliament on Tuesday. This development followed statements made by Premier Allan and Emergency Services Minister Vicki Ward last week, where they characterized remarks from the opposition regarding CFA funding as misinformation.