The Nationals’ Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, has challenged the Minister for Emergency Services, Vicki Ward, after she was unable to provide base budget figures for Victoria’s emergency services organisations during the 2026/27 PAEC Budget Hearings.
Ms Benham asked for the base budgets for the CFA, SES and Fire Rescue Victoria for the 2026–27 financial year but was told the figures were still being finalised and would not be released until later reporting periods.
Under repeated questioning, departmental officials confirmed there were no definite overarching budget figures currently available for the emergency services agencies.
“It is extraordinary that at budget estimates, the Minister cannot tell Victorians what the emergency services budget actually is,” Ms Benham said.
The lack of clear financial detail raises serious concerns about transparency and planning for frontline emergency services.
“How can emergency services organisations properly plan and resource their operations if they do not even have a confirmed base budget heading into the financial year?”
Officials were also questioned on whether grant funding for CFA, SES and FRV would increase, but was again told the figures were still being finalised.
“Even basic forward estimates appear to be unavailable, with agencies told to wait until the financial year is already underway before final figures are known.”
Ms Benham said it was not good enough for questions to be repeatedly deflected during a formal budget process.
“Throughout the entire budget estimates process, there has been deflection and obfuscation.
It’s time for the Allan Labor Government to start providing answers.”
Video of Ms Benham questioning the Minister can be viewed at Minister for Emergency Services – 15th May 2026.
