The Nationals’ Melina Bath has criticised the Allan Government for cutting $10 million from Victoria’s State Emergency Service (SES) when demand for emergency response is rising.
The SES 2024–25 Annual Report confirms the service is now operating with reduced funding despite recording one of its busiest years on record.
Ms Bath said Labor’s cut places a greater strain on our volunteer units across Eastern Victoria.
“The Allan Labor Government used the SES as the poster child to sell its $3 billion Emergency Services Tax to Victorians, only to take with one hand and cut funding with the other as demand on volunteers grow.
“Our SES volunteers are the people who show up at all hours, in all conditions, to keep us safe.
“SES volunteers don’t ask for much – they just need resources and support to do their jobs.
“Slashing $10 million from the SES budget when callouts are growing is reckless and deeply unfair on the volunteers who carry this workload for the state government.”
Ms Bath called out Labor for failing to acknowledge the SES budget cut despite it being clearly outlined in the latest Annual Report despite the numbers being in black and white.
“The Allan Government continues to take more from everyday Victorians in new and increased taxes but deliver less services.
“Labor’s decision to cut funding will result in fewer resources on the ground, slower response times for families in need during emergencies and more pressure on volunteers who are stretched thin.
“Our SES plays a crucial role in local emergency response from storm damage and road rescues to supporting major emergencies – it should be properly supported.
“It is deeply unfair for the Allan Government to short-changing the volunteers who keep us safe rather than properly resourcing our frontline emergency services.”
