Thursday, 19 February 2026

 Rikkie-Lee TYRRELL (Northern Victoria) (12:49): My constituency question today is for the Minister for Emergency Services, and my constituents ask when the Benalla and district CFA will receive desperately needed updated appliances. The Benalla and district CFA is made up of 19 local brigades. Across those 19 brigades are 21 appliances. Of those 21 appliances, 13 tankers and one pumper are operating beyond their recommended service life, and 14 out of 21 appliances are no longer fit for purpose, according to CFA volunteers. Each tanker costs approximately $550,000 on average – that is all. When you look at how much this government has spent on passion projects, the cost of replacing these appliances barely makes a dent in the state’s budget, but it will make a huge difference to the crews manning them. CFA volunteer safety should be one of this government’s highest priorities, especially during the bushfire season. Appliances that are beyond their recommended service life may not provide the protection and capabilities of new modern appliances. Minister, my constituents ask when the Benalla and district CFA will receive desperately needed updated appliances.