Council & Politics
7 February, 2026
Coalition pushes for bushfire review
“We need to learn from these fires, just as we did from the Bushfire Royal Commission, so that Victorians are better protected going forward.”
HE State Opposition this week started a push for an extensive parliamentary inquiry into the January 2026 bushfires that impacted communities across Victoria.
Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for Emergency Services, Danny O’Brien said the Coalition would move a motion in Parliament that calls on the Environment and Planning Standing Committee to inquire into, and report on the bushfires by June 1.
“There needs to be a full investigation by the Parliament into every aspect of this summer’s bushfires,” O’Brien said.
“There’s a lot of concern out there from volunteers, firefighters, emergency management personnel and from the communities directly impacted by the fires, which of course in some areas are still ongoing.
“We need to learn from these fires, just as we did from the Bushfire Royal Commission, so that Victorians are better protected going forward.”
The motion calls for the inquiry to consider the preparation and planning by government, including management of public and private land and roadsides.
It also seeks investigation into the causes of the bushfires, their impact on the community, business and the environment, including native wildlife, and resourcing and funding of emergency services agencies.
“The Allan Labor Government continues to mislead Victorians on the CFA and its annual funding. And there are multiple recommendations from past inquiries that still haven’t been implemented by the Victorian Labor Government,” Mr O’Brien said.
“There must be an opportunity for public hearings, and for those involved in planning, preparation and fighting of the fires, to come before the parliament and explain to the Victorian people what decisions were made, and why.
“We look forward to getting the inquiry established as soon as possible to ensure the people of Victoria get the answers they deserve.”
The Coalition wants the inquiry to look at the preparation and planning by government, emergency services agencies and the community ahead of the fire season, including management of public and private land and roadsides.
Also on the proposed agenda is a review of the causes and circumstances of the bushfires, forecasts, warnings and public education on bushfire threats, resourcing of emergency services agencies, including funding, human resources, equipment, appliances and related matters.
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