Evidence presented to the Parliamentary Inquiry into Victoria’s 2026 bushfires has exposed serious failures in Labor’s bushfire preparedness and response.
The Nationals and Liberals have tabled a Minority Report, refusing to accept the Environment and Planning Committee’s Report which papers over the deep structural flaws and policy failures of the government.
The Nationals’ Member for Eastern Victoria and Committee member, Melina Bath said the Majority Report overlooks the experiences of affected communities and frontline responders and fails to reflect the full weight of evidence.
“Witness testimony and submissions paint a damning picture of Labor’s Victoria’s bushfire preparedness,” Ms Bath said.
“The Inquiry heard evidence of fuel management failures, declining emergency service capability, leadership shortages, ageing equipment and growing bushfire risk.
“These findings lay bare the consequences of years of Labor’s poor policy decisions, inadequate preparedness and its failure to act on repeated warnings.
“Labor’s restructure of emergency services, funding decisions and workforce shortages have weakened the CFA’s capability and reduced frontline preparedness.
“One of the most alarming revelations was the CFA’s original response to questions on notice was sanitised by the Government and Cabinet before being resubmitted.”
Ms Bath, who is also Shadow Minister for Public Land Management said Labor has neglected critical bushfire mitigation, failing to undertake adequate fuel reduction, roadside vegetation management and the creation of strategic fuel breaks.
“Years of Labor’s failures have resulted in hazardous fuel loads across the state and an elevated bushfire risk.
“Our Minority Report calls for more fuel reduction, better roadside management and strategic fuel breaks to protect communities, critical infrastructure and firefighters.
“It provides practical recommendations to strengthen CFA capability, improve emergency management and enhance protection for regional communities.
“Labor was repeatedly warned about bushfire risks, yet communities, volunteers and first responders were left to bear the consequences.”
The Nationals and Liberals’ Minority Report is available here. Inquiry submissions, evidence and reporting can be found here.
