A new Parliamentary Inquiry will examine Victoria’s preparedness for bushfires, with regional communities urged to have their say following a challenging summer fire season.
The Legislative Council’s Environment and Planning Standing Committee will investigate the state’s planning, mitigation and emergency response to the 2026 summer bushfires, with submissions now open to the public.
The committee is expected to report its findings by June 1.
Nationals MP and committee member Melina Bath welcomed the inquiry, saying it was an opportunity to closely scrutinise the state’s readiness and identify areas for improvement.
“Regional communities have been devastated by this summer’s bushfires, and there is an urgent need to review preparedness and
emergency response across the state,” Ms Bath said.
Ms Bath said community input would be central to the process, encouraging contributions from first responders, CFA volunteers, farmers, business owners and residents affected by fires.
Submissions to the inquiry are open until March 15 and can be lodged through the Parliament of Victoria website.
The terms of reference are also available online.
