The distribution of donations generated by Barber's campaign has devolved into a source of contention,after it emerged the trust's structure dictated the money could only be used for limited purposes including:purchasing firefighting equipment,maintaining facilities,training,and administrative expenses.

This was reaffirmed in aSupreme Court decision in May,which found the money could not be given to other charities or fire services,but could be used to set up a fund for RFS firefighters who are injured or killed.

The committee's inquiry wastriggered by a bill put forward by Greens MLC David Shoebridge that would amend the Rural Fires Act to allow donations made between November and February to go towards bushfire-affected communities and individuals.

The report did not endorse Mr Shoebridge's bill,but recommended it proceed to debate.

Mr Shoebridge,who was deputy chair of the inquiry,said it was"unacceptable"that"not one dollar from this generous donation has gone to injured firefighters or people who lost their home in the fires."

The RFS opposes the bill,arguing in a submission to the inquiry the court decision should be respected.

"To do anything else would undermine the spirit of the trust and any efforts to raise money for brigades in the future,"the submission said.

Barber,in her submission,said the"unprecedented circumstances"warranted consideration of a change in the rules.

"My concern is that if it is not possible to help these people have their money allocated to where they want it to go in this unprecedented instance that this may be the last we see of such generosity on such an international scale,"the submission said.