CFA Protest Grips Melbourne as Budget Fallout Spreads
Image 1: CFA Volunteers Rallying on Parliament Steps. Source: ABC News Live Coverage
Hundreds of CFA volunteers and supporters staged a dramatic CFA protest on the steps of the Victorian Parliament today, voicing outrage over changes to the emergency services levy unveiled in the state’s 2025–26 budget.
Waving placards and dressed in high-visibility firefighting gear, protesters marched through Spring Street, chanting slogans that echoed decades of rural pride and volunteerism. Their message was clear: the government’s move jeopardises the very foundation of Victoria’s volunteer fire services.
“This protest is not about politics,” said CFA protest unit leader Greg Thomas from Bendigo. “It’s about protecting a service that communities rely on when lives and homes are on the line.”
Image 2: CFA Trucks Parked Outside Parliament. Source: ABC News – CFA Protest
Emergency Services Levy Under Fire
At the centre of the demonstration is the proposed revamp of the emergency services levy in Victoria, which many argue disproportionately impacts regional homeowners and undermines the financial sustainability of CFA brigades.
Image 3: Emergency Services Levy Fact Sheet. (SOURCE: RevenueSA)
CFA District Council representatives said the levy changes could result in lower funding for essential volunteer infrastructure, including equipment, training, and station upkeep. “This isn’t just a funding tweak—it’s a shift in how we value community-led emergency response,” one protester said.
A Grassroots Surge: Protest Melbourne Today
The protest, which unfolded peacefully in Melbourne’s Spring Street precinct, included CFA protest volunteers from across the state, many of whom travelled hours to make their voices heard. The demonstration added to an already charged atmosphere in the capital, as Tuesday’s state budget announcement faced intense scrutiny.
Organisers reported over 500 attendees, with widespread support on social media under hashtags like #SaveOurCFA and #CFAProtest.
Government Response and Public Sentiment
A spokesperson for the Victorian government acknowledged the protest but defended the levy reforms as part of a broader effort to ensure equity in emergency service funding. “We are modernising a system that has long needed reform,” the spokesperson said.
Still, public reaction has been mixed. While some applaud the government’s attempt to rebalance state revenues, others see it as a blow to one of Australia’s most cherished volunteer institutions. The issue is quickly evolving into a political headache for state leaders heading into next quarter’s polling season.
A History of Funding Tensions
This isn’t the first time the CFA protest has found itself in political crossfire. The 2017 restructure that created Fire Rescue Victoria saw years of conflict between volunteer and career firefighters, culminating in thousands of resignations and public distrust.
Today’s protest echoes that history. Many within the CFA feel they’ve been sidelined once again—despite being the backbone of fire and emergency response across rural Victoria. “We’re not asking for special treatment,” said veteran CFA volunteer Sue Markham. “We’re asking to be respected and resourced.”
Government Response and Political Calculus
The Victorian government responded with caution. A spokesperson for the Treasurer stated that the levy reforms are part of a broader effort to create “a more equitable and sustainable emergency response framework.”
However, opposition MPs accused the government of ignoring regional voices. Shadow Minister for Emergency Services Tom Reynolds said, “This levy is a tax grab, plain and simple—and it targets the very people who risk their lives without pay.”
While city councils may see marginal savings, rural shires—where CFA presence is essential—fear that fewer funds will ultimately mean slower response times and reduced training cycles.
Wider Implications for Community Safety
Experts warn that underfunding the CFA protests could ripple into broader disaster preparedness. With bushfire season lengthening due to climate change, Victoria’s reliance on volunteers is only expected to grow.
Emergency management consultant Dr. Alisha Haynes said: “These levy changes come at the worst possible time. The CFA isn’t just a fire response group—it’s a community anchor during crises.”
Conclusion: Budget Battle Far from Over
As protests continue and public debate intensifies, the clash over Victoria’s emergency services levy has taken on broader significance—touching on community values, rural-urban equity, and political accountability.
CFA protest volunteers say they will continue to speak out until the levy changes are reviewed, amended, or scrapped altogether. For now, they remain on high alert—not for fire—but for the fight to preserve the heart of Victoria’s emergency response legacy.
