Victorian Nationals: Danny O'Brien MP - Liberals and Nationals call for parliamentary inquiry into Victorian...

The Victorian Liberals and Nationals will this week 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 Liberals and Nationals will move a motion in parliament that calls on the Environment and Planning Standing Committee to inquire into, and report on the bushfires by 1 June 2026.

"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 Victorian Liberals and Nationals will move:

That this House requires the Environment and Planning Standing Committee to inquire into, consider and report, by 1 June 2026, on the January 2026 bushfires across Victoria, including but not limited to:

1. 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.
2. The causes and circumstances of the bushfires, forecasts, warnings and public education on bushfire threats.
3. Resourcing of emergency services agencies, including funding, human resources, equipment, appliances and related matters.
4. The emergency responses to control and contain the fires, including use of resources, communications and command structures.
5. Resilience of critical services and infrastructure such as electricity, water and telecommunications during and after the fires.
6. The impact on the community, business and agriculture and efforts to aid in recovery.
7. Impact on the environment, including native wildlife.
8. Lessons and progress of implementation of recommendations from previous inquiries, reports and Royal Commissions.