The Fire Services Implementation Monitor's 2024-25 Annual Report, tabled in Parliament, makes clear that chronic vacancies and insufficient relief are now entrenched across key operational roles within the CFA.
Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for Emergency Services, Danny O'Brien, said the Allan Labor Government has allowed vacancies and relief gaps to grow despite repeated warnings.
"This has been a major failure by the Allan Labor Government from the start of fire services reform," Mr O'Brien said.
"CFA personnel have long advised that their resourcing needs are not being met through the secondment model, under which Fire Rescue Victoria provides paid staff to the CFA.
"These warnings have been repeated by the Fire Services Implementation Monitor, Niall Blair, and this year he warns fatigue is worsening, wellbeing is declining and the community suffers from a lack of leaders when emergencies occur."
The report warns that a lack of senior operational decision-makers on the ground risks slower response times.
"This isn't just a workplace issue - it directly affects the safety of all Victorians," Mr O'Brien said.
"With a dangerous fire season already here, the CFA and Victorians deserve a government that prepares, not one that ignores critical workforce shortages."
The Nationals and Liberals are calling on the Allan Labor Government to adopt the Monitor's recommendations and ensure fire services have the staffing, leadership and relief support needed to protect Victorians.
Labor can't manage emergency services and Victorians are paying the price.
