As bushfires burn across NSW, social media has lit up with claims that the state's firefighters had their funding slashed. But NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian says her Government has in fact provided record funding.

The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions is committed to increasing gender diversity in its workforce, particularly in our fire management business, where the number of women involved has been traditionally low. This plan describes the objectives, priorities and actions to help achieve the vision.

The focus of performance reporting in this chapter is on emergency services for fire events. Descriptive information is included on emergency services for other events, with performance reporting to be developed for future Reports.

The Andrews Labor Government has introduced the Firefighters’ Presumptive Rights Compensation and Fire Services Legislation Amendment (Reform) Bill 2017 to among other things, restructure Victoria’s fire services.

A case of nepotism so blatant as to beggar belief has been uncovered at the Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board by the Victorian Ombudsman.