Emperor’s New Clothes
By Adam Barnett, VFBV Chief Executive Officer
The Emperor’s New Clothes is a classic fairytale written by Hans Christian Anderson in 1837.
It’s about a vain fashion-obsessed Emperor who considers his country’s treasury is simply there to support and enrich himself. Two con artists arrive at court and claim to be expert weavers who use only the most expensive and magnificent threads that contain a magical property that make the garments completely invisible to anyone who is stupid or unfit for office. The Emperor is intrigued, believing he could use this magical clothing to expose those in his court that are stupid or incompetent, and orders they start working on his royal garments immediately sparing no expense.
During their production, he sends countless advisors and trusted ministers to check in on the weavers and report back how the garments are progressing. And while the weavers sat at empty machines pretending to work on the garments, the shocked advisors themselves seeing nothing - and so fearful of the consequences of speaking truth to power and appearing stupid or unworthy, all go along with the lie and report back to the Emperor how magnificent and splendorous his new clothing was looking.
Finally, the clothing was ready for his fitting. Looking in the mirror, aghast that he could see nothing, he thinks himself alone as all his loyal advisors have told him they were magnificent. So, he too gushes about how wonderful the new clothes are, not wanting to appear stupid or unworthy. So confident by the flattery and praise from all who saw the new garments, he orders a grand parade to show off his wonderful new attire to the town. With great fanfare, he marches through the streets accompanied by his courtiers who famously walked behind him pretending to carry the invisible train of his flowing garments. At first, the townspeople having heard the rumours that only stupid or incompetent people could not see the clothing cheered and praised the emperors new clothing.
Until a small innocent child in the crowd exclaimed that the emperor was in fact not wearing any clothing at all. Hearing the truth finally awakens the crowd and now everyone can admit that the emperor was indeed wearing nothing, breaking into laughter pointing and jeering at him.
Feeling thoroughly humiliated but not wanting to back down - the Emperor held his head high and continued with the procession, his loyal sycophants faithfully continuing to carry the non-existent train behind him.
At its core, this is a story about independent thinking, the dangers of ego and vanity, denying reality and the importance of speaking truth to power. A fitting metaphor for current times.
With the release of the final report from the Parliamentary Inquiry into the 2026 summer fires, our goal of achieving bipartisan support for community resilience through community embedded local fire brigades is one step closer. And while the final report rewards our discipline and diligence in pursuing ground truthed common sense solutions to improving community safety, the State Government will now need to turn its mind to its response.
It is instructive therefore to remind ourselves of the government’s key messaging over the last fire season. It has variously been claimed: that CFA is better resourced than it ever has been and has been given all that it needs; CFA capital funding is adequate with CFA building more trucks now than ever; single cab tankers are safe and roadworthy; the CSBA (Community Safety Building Authority) is doing a wonderful job building new CFA fire stations; there is nothing to see about the secondment arrangements and any issues are simply administrative and have no effect on CFA’s operational capability and that volunteer numbers are stable and in fact increasing in recent years with thousands wanting to join.
After six months of public inquiry, we can now judge each of those assertions using the evidence before the inquiry. The evidence shows:
- - CFA funding has not kept pace with inflation, and in real terms CFA grant funding has dropped 13.8% since 2020/21.
- - that over the past three years CFA has only received about one-third of the funding it requested through the State Budget supplementary bidding process.
- - that CFA funding for capital works (trucks and stations) is completely inadequate, and CFA is unable to maintain its asset base with current funding.
- - figures confirm that even after considering recent boosts to fleet funding, those boosts still do not fund minimum replacement of fire trucks.
Pleasingly, the Committee has supported a fully funded accelerated fleet renewal program to replace aging single cab tankers, with transparent independent reporting to Parliament on progress.
Evidence has shown that CSBA’s delivery of CFA fire stations costs up to 3 – 4 times the cost compared to when CFA built equivalent fire stations. Since transitioning to the CSBA - new station builds have reduced to an average of only two per year, down from nine stations a year built under the CFA model for a quarter of the price. Curiously, a formal recommendation to hand station building back to the CFA was blocked by Labor representatives and the Greens.
Evidence from official agency records shows that in the week commencing Monday 5th January, there were nine significant fires that commenced. Over the same period, three of the five ACFO/Commander positions that should have been filled in District 22 were vacant, and a further 25 vacant/non-relived Commander roles resulted in a 50% reduction of command staff across five districts, including District 22 and 2 (the locations of the Longwood and Harcourt fires) which were required to commence 24/7 operations.
Further, official agency records maintained since the commencement of fire service reform in 2020 show that the current financial year is projected to record the highest number of average vacancies/ non-relief positions since records commenced, with on average almost 21.9 positions empty each week, with the worst weeks recording a staggering 42 vacant/non-relieved positions at its worst. The lengths the government and officials at the Department of Justice and Community Safety went to, to try and keep this data hidden was extraordinary.
While the inquiry did make a finding that these long-term vacancy and non-relief issues impacted response (Finding 63) - the committee split along party lines when it came to how to fix it.
The formal recommendation in the majority report recommends that the Victorian government engage the Fire Services Implementation Monitor to evaluate the secondment arrangements and advise how they can be strengthened within the current framework.
Curiously, this recommendation comes even after the independent monitor himself has stated that after five years of reporting - his view is that the agencies have done all they can to try and make the current arrangements work and they simply can’t.
A stronger recommendation pursued by the Liberal, Nationals and One Nation representatives on the committee to abolish the secondments arrangements and return funding and the right for CFA to employ its own command workforce was blocked by Labor and the Greens, using Labor’s casting vote to break the tie.
And finally on the issue of volunteer numbers. Far from being “stable”, the Inquiry has made a finding that operational volunteers have in fact declined by 26% over the past decade. It further finds that despite a continued strong community interest in joining CFA, challenges remain in volunteer retention.
Pleasingly, the committee recommends that the Victorian Government develop and fund a volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention strategy. The same kind of recommendation made by the Volunteer Consultative Forum that was abolished by EMV in 2023.
If you pause and review the last dozen paragraphs, it is clear the government’s previous assertions that there was nothing to see - have been overwhelmingly debunked.
I highly recommend volunteers avail themselves of the opportunity to review the Inquiries Final Report, including the appendices and minority reports. The 406 pages, 93 findings and 80 recommendations are well worth reviewing.
Given the short time available, the Committee as a whole have done an excellent job at distilling the wide range of evidence and testimony provided to the Inquiry over the last six months. In my view, the committee have engaged constructively and maturely with the issues raised and given thoughtful consideration to the issues.
Additional recommendations made by the committee which are most welcome include findings and recommendations around:
- - improved transparency by EMV to publish annual regional readiness statements;
- - inclusion of employment protection for volunteers under the National Employment Standards which was first raised by VFBV during the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements following the 2019/20 fire season;
- - improved access and consultation with volunteers on CFA training opportunities and development of level 2 and 3 incident management roles;
- - embedding local knowledge better into IMTs and incident control centres;
- - improved transparency on CFA fleet age and operability;
- - improved support for private equipment;
- - ongoing funding for strategically located water capacity; hose coupling adapter kits to be fitted on all firefighting appliances;
- - improved risk analysis of extreme fuel risk areas;
- - creation of escalation processes for brigades to request urgent roadside fuel reduction works;
- - clearer authority for CFA to enforce roadside vegetation management;
- - increased support for bushfire preparedness activities;
- - improved warning messaging and public education;
- - stronger telecommunication resilience in disaster prone areas;
- - investigation of emerging fire detection technologies including AI-enabled cameras;
- - funding for accessible mental health and wellbeing services in bushfire affected communities;
- - improved access for veterinarians and registered firearm owners when livestock euthanasia is required and better access for wildlife responders;
- - updates to the VicEmergency app; a review of radio communications;
- - continued funding for CFA’s elevated seasonal response initiatives;
- - improved disaster resilience for telecommunication and energy providers with mandatory resilience standards for mobile phone towers to operate without mains power for a minimum of 48 hours;
- - establish a rural firefighting water infrastructure fund for installation, upgrade and maintenance of water storage assets;
- - review wire rope safety barriers to ensure they do not impede bushfire prevention; and
- - improved recovery and relief arrangements for those affected by disaster and improved recovery support for agriculture.
A very extensive list, and one that the committee should be congratulated on.
If there is to be any criticism from members, it is likely to focus on the fact that some of the recommendations do not go far enough and whether government will actually adopt the recommendations to begin with. Which returns me to where I started.
The Victorian Government have six months to formally respond to the recommendations. Less if they wish to do so before caretaker period. And while I remain optimistic that the overwhelming evidence makes it very difficult for them to ignore, we have been here before.
With recent changes to the Victorian Premiership, we again find ourselves at a crossroads.
Much like the Emperor’s new clothes, the decision to reevaluate previously held positions that fly in the face of overwhelming community evidence to the contrary is best made while the Emperor is privately peering at his new clothes in the mirror. Like the previous Premier before, the government has the rare chance to save face and reevaluate and change course. In the lead up to what is predicted to be another challenging summer, it is not only volunteers who are watching with interest, but millions of Victorians across our rich tapestry of communities that are watching also.
Brigade Allowance Survey
In this year’s affiliation pack sent to all Brigade/ Group Secretaries is a CFA annual allowance survey.
With recent break ins fuelling a desire to invest in increased security, together with the impacts of inflation on increasing everyday costs, an increasing number of brigades and groups are advising VFBV that their CFA annual allowance no longer covers basic expenses or amenity and has not changed for many years.
All responses are confidential with only de-identified information to be shared with CFA. Help us help you and ensure your secretary or treasurer returns the survey by Monday 31st August 2026.
AFAC Solutions Theatre
The AFAC Conference is being held in Melbourne this year, taking place from 18 – 21 August 2026.
While the Conference itself requires payment to attend, coinciding with the conference is the Exhibition and Trades exhibit that is held alongside the conference at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and completely free to attend.
Entry to the Exhibition is not only free, but CFA volunteers who register for a free visitor pass will also receive a free $25 meal voucher to be used at the Café.
In addition to the large trade show which features hundreds of vendors from across the Emergency Services sector, including vehicle manufactures, personal protective clothing and equipment where members can touch and feel new equipment and innovations - the Solutions Theatre in the heart of the exhibition hall will be offering free 20 minute presentations.
These presentations run right across Tuesday 18 August through to Thursday 20th August, and feature leading experts and agencies who will present on topics such as military level communication; battery electric fire trucks; thermal imaging advancements; automated fire hydrant performance testing; firefighting health monitoring; and wearable intelligence on PPC.
Each day the free sessions run from 10am through to 2pm. So even if you are not attending the conference itself, consider spending the day in Melbourne to visit the sectors largest exhibition and trades exhibit.
Register for your free visit pass from here AFAC26 powered by INTERSCHUTZ | Pricing & Registration (Scroll down the bottom of that page and you find the free AFAC Exhibition Visitor registration button), and check out the Solution Theatre schedule here.
Board positions
Vacancies on the VFBV Board will arise when the terms of four VFBV Board members expire on the 1st October 2026. All are eligible for re-appointment.
VFBV invites applications from any CFA volunteer who is motivated by the prospect of making a difference and believes they have the skills to contribute to VFBV at the board level.
The role of a board member involves contributing to VFBV direction, policy determination and monitoring the performance and governance of the Association. This includes actively contributing to policy discussion, consulting with CFA volunteers and contributing to the identification and management of strategic issues.
VFBV is seeking applications from gender and culturally diverse candidates in addition to a diverse range of skills and experience including applications from diverse brigade types and classifications.
Members should familiarise themselves with the VFBV Board Member role statement and key selection criteria available from the website or via the office on 9886 1141.
Applications close on Monday 31st August 2026.
Volunteer Unity
Thank you for members’ strong show of support!
In 2025/26, brigades and groups showed it is more important than ever that volunteers have a strong, united and independent voice and peak body with the overwhelming majority of Brigades choosing unity over division and supporting VFBV’s important work representing and advocating for volunteers. Thank you to all brigades and groups who affiliated last year and helped us represent volunteers.
Brigade/Group secretaries have received the 2026/27 renewal notices in May.
Rebate Scheme
A reminder that the eligible volunteers rebate scheme is now open for eligible volunteers and life members to apply for a rebate on an eligible property under the Emergency Services Tax.
VFBV continues to hear misinformation about eligibility. Some members have reported they are not eligible due to the current rate freeze that paused the primary producer tax rate to last year’s levels.
This pause does not affect the rebate scheme, and members who own their primary place of residence or farm and are listed on the title, are encouraged to assess their eligibility for a rebate by logging into their CFA online account, to complete the CFA eligibility test.
To check the rules and eligibility requirements, you can visit: https://www.vic.gov.au/evrs
If you are eligible and own an eligible property, head to Members Online to start the process.
CVMM closing shortly
CFA has released the Contemporary Volunteer Membership Model (CVMM) Options Paper and seeks your feedback on 13 recommended options that are designed to support real life circumstances and improve the way people join, stay, move between brigades, contribute in different ways, and transition across roles over time.
All while supporting brigades to broaden and maintain their membership and strengthen capability without the unnecessary burdens.
The options come directly from what volunteers and brigades have told CFA over the past several years about some of the unintentional barriers in the current model that limit opportunities for volunteering.
A CFA survey and FAQ is available online here.
Focus Groups
Commencing on 18 August, online focus groups are being scheduled between 7pm - 8pm to explore each of the recommendations outlined in the options paper. Each focus group will concentrate on a specific recommendation – perfect for those who would prefer a more interactive way to provide feedback.
The focus groups will gather additional feedback, insights and ideas as well as answering questions and hearing/discussing different perspectives from participating members.
Members can register for any of the focus groups via Members Online.
ESF Mental Health Showcase 2026
The Emergency Services Foundation (ESF) will be holding their 2026 Mental Health Showcase alongside AFAC26 Conference in Melbourne on 21 August 2026.
The showcase will bring together people from across the emergency management sector and provides a platform to share knowledge, explore best practice and discuss emergency issues and approaches to psychological safety, mental health and wellbeing.
Visit the ESF website for more information and to register. ESF is also offering a limited number of free tickets for emergency service volunteers. To enquire about a free volunteer ticket, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
CFA Board Vacancies
The CFA Act recognises that it is important that the CFA Board has strong volunteer expertise, knowledge and an understanding of CFA volunteers. To support this, four of the skills-based CFA Board members are appointed by the Minister for Emergency Services from a panel of names submitted by VFBV. This year, the terms of two volunteer nominees will expire in December 2026, with both members eligible for re-appointment. One is for a volunteer from brigades predominantly serving rural communities, and the other being for a volunteer from brigades predominantly serving urban communities.
CFA volunteers who believe they have the skills, experience and capacity to make a contribution to the Board of CFA are invited to apply. In addition to volunteer experience and knowledge, selection will have regard to any of the following - knowledge of or experience in; commercial; technical; operational; legal or financial matters; expertise in fire or emergency management; land management; or any other field relevant to the performance of the functions of the CFA.
VFBV is seeking applications from gender and culturally diverse candidates in addition to a diverse range of skills and experience including applications from diverse brigade types and classifications.
Members should familiarise themselves with the CFA Board Charter and further information on the application process is available from the VFBV website or via the office at (03) 9886 1141.
A closing date for applications will be advised shortly.
Fire Wise – August 2026 online only edition
The August 2026 edition of Fire Wise has been published online only, this edition and past editions are available from the Fire Wise website for a small subscription fee.
You can support Fire Wise and the role it plays as an independent voice in keeping volunteers informed by becoming a subscriber. To become a subscriber visit the Fire Wise website or contact the Managing Editor of Fire Wise, Gordon Rippon-King either by phone 0402 051 412 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
AFAC
VFBV is proud to be a supporting partner to this year’s AFAC conference powered by INTERSCHUTZ, Australasia’s premier emergency management and first responders conference and exhibition.
AFAC26 will take place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 18-21 August.
Separate to the conference agenda, the AFAC26 Trade Exhibition is free to attend and open from 18-20 August.
Spanning over 16,500 square metres, it is the largest showcase of emergency management products, services, and solutions in Australasia.
CFA volunteers can register for a free visitor pass and will receive a free $25 food voucher to spend at the Café.
See the website for details.
Recent articles on the VFBV website
Donate Now – Supporting CFA Volunteers in a time of need
Contemporary Volunteer Membership Model Options Paper
Emergency Services Tax Forecast Funding
Presumptive Legislation Update
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