12 large bushfires burnt across the state on Friday 9 January. A State of Disaster was declared in the impacted areas, with more than 400,000 hectares burnt (a total area more than five times the size of Singapore).
The Victorian parliament has agreed to hold an investigation into the 2025/26 summer bushfires across Victoria. The inquiry is being run by the Upper House Environment and Planning Committee. It is chaired by an ALP MP, and has representation from the Greens, Legalise Cannabis Victoria, as well as the conservative parties.
Friends of the Earth believes this inquiry – although instigated by the conservatives in order to hurt the government – also offers an opportunity for really important issues to be considered by parliament.
The Terms of Reference are quite broad and cover many issues relevant to the immediate fire response and recovery and also broader issues like climate change and land management. Issues to be considered include preparation and planning by government, emergency services agencies, causes and circumstances of the bushfires, funding equipment and appliances for the CFA, the emergency responses, resilience of critical services and infrastructure, the impact on community business and agriculture, the impact on the environment, the impacts of climate change, the impact of misinformation, inter jurisdictional support and lessons from previous inquiries, reports and Royal Commissions (for example the 2009 investigation into Black Saturday).
We have prepared a draft submission that you could send (you can modify the content to reflect your lived experiences, views and interests).
You can find the full details on the Inquiry here.
If you prefer to write and send your own submission you can email it to the Committee via this address: [email protected]
Friends of the Earth want to extend our deep sympathy to those affected by these devastating fires. We've collated some resources from on-the-ground initiatives that are supporting people and wildlife. Visit our blog 'How You Can Support Fire Affected Areas.'
The impacts of fire are incredibly complex. The impacts are not just about houses, sheds and fences. Precious homes, wildlife places can be impacted, with immense emotional and psychological damage. Reach out to Lifeline or Psychology for a Safe Climate if you need support.
