The department has completed 21 of 29 actions we examined, partially completed 7 and did not complete one. This means it has only completed 6 recommendations in full, despite reporting it completed 8 in our report Responses to Performance Engagement Recommendations: Annual Status Update 2025. 

CFA has completed 13 of 16 actions examined and partially completed 3. This means it has only completed 4 recommendations in full, despite telling us it completed 5.

The department's and CFA's actions have addressed some but not all the issues we raised in our 2020 audit.

We made 4 recommendations to address our findings. The relevant agencies have accepted the recommendations in full or in part. 

What we examined

Our review followed 2 lines of inquiry: 

1. Did the department and CFA's actions respond to the issues our 2020 audit recommendations sought to address?

2. Did the department and CFA deliver fuel management activities as much as possible in the vicinity of Grampians National Park prior to the 2024 bushfires?

We discuss the department and CFA's actions throughout this report. You can find their actions status in full in Appendix D. 

Download a PDF copy of Appendix D: Funded EIIF initiatives.

Download a PDF copy of Appendix C: Audit scope and method.

Download a PDF copy of Appendix B: Acronyms and glossary.

Download a PDF copy of Appendix A: Submissions and comments.

Outcomes reporting for the EIIF is improving. But there are gaps in reported results, targets and baselines. 

This means that DTF and departments do not yet have all the evidence they need to show outcomes for Victorians or changes in service demand for all EIIF initiatives. 

Covered in this section:

DTF uses a consistent approach to assess EIIF initiatives and advise the government. 

But gaps in DTF’s processes, guidance and advice mean that the government does not always have all the evidence it needs to understand the benefits and risks of proposed EIIF initiatives.

Covered in this section: