Victorian auditor finds $1.5b needed for aging fire trucks, $1b shortfall identified

Cracking issues put firefighters at risk as fleet ages

By LineZotpaper

Published14 October 2026

Read Time3 min

An audit by Victoria's Auditor-General Andrew Greaves has identified a $1.5 billion investment need to maintain and replace the state's aging fire truck fleet over the next decade, with only $390.4 million in allocated funding leaving a shortfall of more than $1 billion. The report, released Wednesday, found nearly 60 per cent of fire trucks operated by the Country Fire Authority and Fire Rescue Victoria were more than 15 years old, exceeding internal replacement recommendations.

The audit examined whether the fleet of more than 3,000 fire trucks were fit to meet the state's firefighting needs. It found a widespread cracking issue among trucks managed by the Department of Energy, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action had put firefighters at direct risk. The cracking problem became so widespread DEECA had to suspend more than 54 per cent of its own fleet, nearly 350 trucks, ahead of the 2025-26 summer. The audit found DEECA continued to use fire trucks with known cracks and operated trucks over safe weight limits.

Auditor-General Greaves found $1.5 billion in investment was needed between 2024-25 and 2033-34 to maintain and replace the trucks. He found only $390.4 million, about a quarter of what was needed, had been allocated in grant and budget funds so far.

Premier Ben Carroll said the audit showed more work to do. "It clearly shows that we have more work to do," he said.

A recent Labor election promise to deliver 150 new fire trucks by 2030 was not considered in the audit, but United Firefighter Union boss Peter Marshall said that offer was a small fraction of what was needed. "Those persons responsible for the budget cutting, the cost cutting, allowing firefighters to use equipment that was just not suitable and dangerous, they should be made accountable," Mr Marshall said.

The report pointed out that FRV and CFA shrunk recent funding requests in response to the former state treasurer's instructions to limit asks in line with the government's fiscal strategy. FRV initially requested almost $160 million in fleet capital in 2024-25, but its actual funding proposal was reduced to just $14 million, less than five per cent of what the audit calculated was needed.

Former state treasurer Jaclyn Symes said all government agencies were asked to bid for what they need, not everything they want. "It's difficult decisions that need to be made," she said.

Opposition Leader Jess Wilson said the restrictions on Victorian fire services proved the current government had not managed the finances.

Analysis

Why This Matters

Firefighters rely on aging, structurally unsound vehicles, directly endangering their safety during emergencies.
The $1 billion shortfall raises questions about the state government's budget priorities and capacity to address critical infrastructure.
With bushfire seasons intensifying, Victoria's fire response capability may be compromised unless immediate investment is secured.

Background

The auditor-general's investigation covered the multi-agency firefighting fleet of more than 3,000 trucks used by the Country Fire Authority, Fire Rescue Victoria, and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action. Internal documents recommend replacing trucks at 15 years old, yet nearly 60 per cent exceed that age. A separate cracking problem in the DEECA fleet had already forced the suspension of over half of its 350 trucks before the 2025-26 summer.

Key Perspectives

Victorian Government: Premier Ben Carroll acknowledged the need for more work, and former treasurer Jaclyn Symes defended fiscal restraint as necessary. They argue fiscal responsibility is necessary and that no special treatment was given. Firefighters Union: United Firefighter Union boss Peter Marshall said the report showed what firefighters had been saying for a long time and called for accountability for those responsible for budget cuts that allowed dangerous equipment. Opposition: Opposition Leader Jess Wilson said the restrictions on fire services proved the current government had not managed the finances.

What to Watch

Whether the Labor election promise of 150 new fire trucks by 2030 materialises or proves insufficient.
Future state budget allocations to address the $1 billion shortfall.
Safety incidents or further vehicle failures during the upcoming summer bushfire season.

Sources

Cracking firetrucks, $1b funding shortfall identified in Victorian audit — Just In