Fire services funding review following Black Saturday
Treasurer John Lenders announced today a review by the Victorian Government of the funding of Victoria's fire services following the worst bushfires in the State's history. Click image
The Victorian Government today announced a review of the funding of Victoria's fire services following the worst bushfires in the State's history.
Handing over the keys to a new fire tanker to the Violet Town CFA today Treasurer John Lenders said funding for the State's fire services currently comes from three sources - the State Budget, from metropolitan councils and from the insurance industry, commonly called the fire services levy.
Treasurer John Lenders handing over the keys to a new fire tanker to Fire Captain Howard Myers of the Violet Town CFA. Click image
"We all need to work together to make sure our families, our communities and ourselves are as fire-safe and as fire-ready as possible," Mr Lenders said.
"This review will determine whether the current funding mechanism is the most appropriate model to provide funding for Victoria's fire fighting organisations. The Green Paper is designed to generate community debate and I encourage Victorians to put their views forward."
Mr Lenders said the process would build on the work done by a review of the fire services funding completed by the Department of Treasury and Finance in 2003.
"After the Black Saturday bushfires we promised to review all aspects of Victoria's ability to prepare for and respond to major bushfires," Mr Lenders said.
"We are reviewing funding arrangements as part of this commitment. I am keen for a genuine community discussion beyond party politics and do not want to see it hijacked by vested political or industry interests."
Mr Lenders said the 2009 State Budget provided almost $1 billion to help Victoria respond and recover from the worst bushfires in Australian history.
| 2008-09 $ million | |
| Total Government Contribution | 979.7 |
| Insurance Contribution (CFA and MFESB) | 426.8 |
| Municipal Council Contribution (MFESB) | 32.9 |
| Total Fire Prevention and Suppression Effort | 1439.4 |
Mr Lenders said most regional Victorians are exempted from paying for fire services through their council rates at the moment unlike those living in metropolitan Melbourne.
Details of the new Violet Town tanker. Click image
The paper presents a range of possible reform options for community feedback. After the Government considers feedback on the green paper, it will produce a white paper, outlining its response and timetables for action. The white paper will be released within six months of the Bushfire Royal Commission's final report, to allow their findings to be considered in the paper.
For a copy of the discussion paper and information about the submission process visit www.dtf.vic.gov.au/