Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee

Bridget McKenzie

I move:

That the following matter be referred to the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee for inquiry and report by 12 May 2026:

The effectiveness of preparedness, response and recovery arrangements and impacts on communities and industries, of the 2025-26 summer bushfires and storm surges in regional Victoria, including:

(a) preparedness, response and recovery functions by Commonwealth, state and local government agencies;

(b) the provision of meteorological advice by the Bureau of Meteorology;

(c) access to and resilience of critical utilities and telecommunications services;

(d) availability and responsiveness of insurance;

(e) the impacts on affected communities and on Victorian industries including the agricultural, construction, hospitality and tourism sectors; and

(f) any related matters.

Katy Gallagher

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Sue Lines

Leave is granted.

Katy Gallagher

The government will be opposing this motion. Considerable risk remains for many communities across Victoria affected by this event. There is also an increased risk of bushfire forecast for Victoria in February.

The inquiry would require additional work and resources from Commonwealth, state and local government staff, who are currently dedicated to responding and leading recovery efforts during the high-risk-weather season. Any additional burden to this workload would come at a cost to the people that these governments are trying to support. In good conscience, we can't support the motion while these teams are still working day and night.

Sue Lines

The question is that business of the Senate No. 4 standing in the name of Senator McKenzie be agreed to.