The inquiry into the 2026 summer bushfires was tabled in Parliament today, revealing a range of system and planning failures that left communities at the mercy of the catastrophic fires, The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad said today.
Ms Broad is a member of the Parliamentary Environment and Planning Committee which conducted the inquiry and heard harrowing first-hand stories from those involved in the fires.
“The devastating 2026 summer bushfires were not simply the result of extreme weather – they were the consequence of years of poor planning, underinvestment and repeated warnings to the government that went unheeded,” Ms Broad said.
“The findings of the inquiry make it clear that what unfolded on the firegrounds reflected a decade of policy, governance and preparedness failures that left regional communities exposed.
“Victorians deserve to know why, as the state entered one of its most dangerous fire seasons, hundreds of Unimogs and G-Wagons were unavailable, the CFA’s ageing fleet continued to suffer from years of underinvestment, newly installed radios failed to work in the field, senior operational leadership positions remained vacant, and fuel loads increased as planned burning declined.”
Ms Broad said communities raised ongoing concerns about poorly maintained roadside vegetation and inadequate clearance around critical infrastructure.
“Throughout the inquiry, communities shared heartbreaking stories of courage, sacrifice and frustration. Brigades described pleading for backup that never arrived. Some volunteers served on the fireground for 38 consecutive days. Telecommunications and power failures left entire communities isolated without emergency warnings or reliable information. Families feared loved ones had been lost because they simply could not make contact.
“Farmers were forced to ration feed to starving livestock, while teenagers were left to euthanise injured animals. Local councils were expected to lead recovery efforts but were left waiting for funding while trying to support devastated communities.”
More than six months later, many communities are still waiting for the recovery they were promised.
“Clean-up programs have been delayed, with elderly residents left removing asbestos from their own properties. Many destroyed home sites remain uncleared, people are still without permanent housing, and tip fee waivers have required repeated extensions because recovery has progressed so slowly. Community recovery grants were only recently announced, highlighting just how far behind the recovery effort has fallen.
“Victoria is one of the most bushfire-prone places in the world, and change is urgently needed.
The Liberals and Nationals Minority report outlined practical changes to strengthen Victoria’s emergency preparedness and recovery, including greater investment in CFA and Fire Rescue Victoria equipment, better support and training for volunteers, improved strategic water supplies, stronger telecommunications and power resilience, increased planned burning, better vegetation management around critical infrastructure, and fast tracking improvements to the VicEmergency app.
“Recovery also needs fundamental reform, with faster clean-up programs, streamlined rebuilding approvals, better mental health support, improved road access, stronger assistance for local councils and neighbourhood houses, and a genuine commitment to community-enabled recovery.
“To all those who helped in our emergency services, responding on the front line, thank you.
“To the community leaders who stood up to help and continue to serve your local communities – thank you.
Ms Broad said: “There have been plenty of past inquiries highlighting what needs to change. It’s time for a new direction and change at the top to bring about change on the ground.”
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au
