For decades, CFA volunteer firefighters have stood on the frontlines of Victoria’s worst disasters — giving their time, their safety, and often their livelihoods to protect their communities.
This is not casual service. It is courage, commitment, and sacrifice — long days, sleepless nights, and time away from family, all given freely.
But recent reporting suggests many of these decorated CFA volunteers may now be missing out on tax rebates, not because of their service, but due to technical eligibility rules.
A technicality.
For many in the community, that simply doesn’t reflect the reality of what these men and women have given. While firefighters are rightly praised in times of crisis, meaningful recognition can feel harder to find when it comes to practical support.
This isn’t about special treatment. It’s about fairness.
If we value our CFA volunteers — and as a community, we clearly do — that respect should extend beyond words. It should be reflected in policies that acknowledge their contribution in real, tangible ways.
Because when communities are under threat, these volunteers don’t hesitate.
And it’s only fair we make sure they feel supported in return.
Read more in the Herald Sun CLICK HERE
