Victorian Nationals: Gaelle Broad MP - Bushfire inquiry - submissions now open

The Nationals' Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad has welcomed a Parliamentary inquiry into the bushfires that devastated areas across Northern Victoria last month. 

The Nationals and Liberals were successful in the Legislative Council in getting a parliamentary inquiry into the summer bushfires established.

"The fires had a significant impact on regional communities, and this inquiry provides an opportunity for people to share their experiences and shape the future of our fire preparedness and emergency response."

"I encourage local residents, volunteers and organisations to share your experience with the parliamentary committee, so that we can develop practical recommendations for future."

Ms Broad told Parliament she had vivid memories of the horrendous fire days in January.

"The catastrophic bushfires that tore through communities across Victoria changed lives overnight.

"I witnessed the fear, loss and heartbreak, from friends losing their homes to families left without water, livelihoods or livestock, alongside the extraordinary courage of CFA volunteers who risked everything, and some who lost their own homes while protecting others.

"These fires exposed serious challenges, including equipment and communication failures, and their impacts will be felt for years by individuals, farms and local businesses.

"Yet amid the devastation, I saw the very best of our communities: volunteers, charities and everyday people giving whatever they could to help others rebuild. It is this resilience, generosity and shared responsibility that must guide our recovery and strengthen our preparedness for

the future."

The inquiry will consider fire preparation and planning by government, including management of public and private land and roadsides.

It will also investigate 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.

Ms Broad is a member of the Legislative Council's Environment and Planning Committee that will conduct the inquiry over the coming months, and report back to Parliament in June 20026.  Submissions are now open. For further information or to make a submission visit:

Submissions - Inquiry into the 2026 summer fires across Victoria - Parliament of Victoria

Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 [email protected]