Action 5.7: Conduct a financial sustainability assessment update of FRV and CFA, based on three years operation of the new fire services model.
Action objective: CFA and FRV have an agreed understanding of financial sustainability, updated and evidenced by operation of the new fire services model over a continued period of time.
Lead agency: DJCS with CFA and FRV
| Year Two to Five Plan (November 2021) completion date | Year Two to Five Plan (updated May 2023) completion date | Agency reported status as at 30 June 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| December 2023 | December 2024 | Not commenced |
Context
This action requires DJCS, working with CFA and FRV, to conduct a second financial sustainability assessment of CFA and FRV based on three years of operation of the new fire services model. In delivering this action, CFA and FRV will have an agreed understanding of financial sustainability, updated and evidenced by operation of the new fire services model over a continued period of time.
Progress summary
An estimated commencement date is dependent on data availability, outcomes from action 5.2, and based on three years of operation data of the new fire services model (the period from FY 2020-21 to FY 2022-23).
In FY 2022-23, DJCS submitted a change request to the Minister to extend the due date for this action. By delaying the implementation of action 5.7 by 12 months, agencies would have the opportunity to enhance their financial forecasting model, access relevant data and ensure the completion of interdependent actions such as actions 1.7, 5.2, 5.3 and 5.4. The Year Two to Five Plan reflects the new completion date of December 2024.
As noted in FSIM’s Annual Report 2021-22[78], effective planning for longer-term financial sustainability requires CFA and FRV to enhance their data collection capabilities, develop an evidence-based understanding of cost and demand, and demonstrate supports required to be financially sustainable. These activities, undertaken promptly and effectively, will assist DJCS in completing this action. FSIM will review progress against this action once work has commenced.
Findings
Action 5.7 has not yet commenced.
Footnotes
[78] Fire Services Implementation Monitor, 2023, Fire Services Implementation Monitor Annual Report 2021/22, Victorian Government, viewed 8 August 2023, https://www.vic.gov.au/fire-services-implementation-monitor-annual-report-2021-22, pg. 113.
Updated