Cost to run Victorian fire services surpasses $2.1bn

The cost to run the state’s fire services has blown out, making Victoria’s the most expensive in the country by a long way.

Victoria’s fire services are the most expensive to run in the country according to new data Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Crosling

Victoria’s fire services cost more than $2.1bn to run last year, more than any other state or territory.

New data has revealed the staggering cost to run the fire services has now hit $2.165bn, $500m more than NSW and more than double the spend in Queensland.

It includes a $1.145bn wages bill for the state’s 8,343 personnel compared to $880m for the 7,383 firefighters in NSW.

In total the Allan government spent about $322 for every resident in 2022-23 significantly higher than the national average of $226.

New data revealed Victoria’s fire services cost more than $2.1bn last year. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

The new Productivity Commission comes amid a protracted pay dispute between the government and the militant firefighters union.

The union has rejected the offer of a whopping 12 per cent pay increase over four years and thousands of dollars in cash bonuses under a new wage deal.

Instead it is fighting for a 25 per cent over three years as well as an additional $117m in bonuses before agreeing to sign on to a new wage deal.

Under the proposal firefighters would share in $117m of identified savings or efficiencies achieved in relation to the creation of FRV, the state’s new fire service, in 2020.

The dispute has now reached the Fair Work Commission which has been told that negotiations have broken down to a point that sees no reasonable prospect of the parties reaching an agreement.

The data revaled comes as the firefighters union and the government engage in a pay dispute Picture: SES Chelsea Unit

Under the government’s proposed wage deal firefighters would have been offered an upfront payment of about $7000, a 12 per cent pay increase over four years, and further annual cash bonuses of about $2000 per firefighter.

Shadow Minister for Emergency Services Richard Riordan said the figures proved the Allan government could not manage money.

“With such dramatic cost increases year on year, it’s clear Jacinta Allan has lost control of Victoria’s fire services and every Victorian is being made to pay the price,” he said.

“Under Labor, more than one in five volunteer firefighters have now left the CFA – meaning local communities across the state are in a more vulnerable position.

“Victorians deserve value for money from their emergency services and the Allan government must explain why it costs so much more to run a fire services system here than anywhere else in the nation.”