Managing Victoria's firefighting fleet

Why this is important

Victoria's fire authorities need a fit-for-purpose and well-maintained firefighting fleet to protect citizens, staff, property and the environment from fires, and to respond to emergencies. 

Under the Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004, fire authorities have a duty of care, as far as is reasonably practicable, to:

• provide and maintain a working environment that is safe and without risks to health (this includes providing and maintaining safe systems of work and equipment)
• not expose members of the public, contractors or volunteers to health and safety risks. 

To achieve this, authorities must:

• plan to ensure the fleet has the functionality to meet current and future firefighting needs
• adequately maintain and equip the fleet
• replace vehicles when they are no longer safe, functional or cost-effective to operate. 

Victoria's firefighting fleet is ageing. Several recent malfunctions rendered some vehicles unable to effectively help suppress fire.

It is important there is transparency about whether fire authorities are meeting their responsibilities to ensure that Victoria's firefighting fleet is fit-for-purpose.

What we plan to examine

We plan to examine if fire authorities are planning and maintaining the firefighting fleet to meet Victoria's current and future needs.

Who we plan to examine

Country Fire Authority 

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action 

Department of Justice and Community Safety 

Fire Rescue Victoria

Further information

This is one of several engagements that look at the maintenance of critical emergency management functions.