'More work to do': firefighters face funding gap

Key points

• A Victorian Auditor-General's Office report has found the state's fire truck replacement program is underfunded, leaving fire authorities with about a quarter of the estimated $1.5 billion they need through 2033-34. Premier Ben Carroll acknowledged more work was required, while pointing to a recent $167 million commitment to deliver 150 new trucks by 2030.
• The audit identified ageing fleets, incomplete scheduled maintenance and weak fleet planning, which led to faulty vehicles being pulled from service.
• Six recommendations were issued, and all three authorities accepted them in full or in principle.