Thursday, 6 February 2025

 Vicki WARD (Eltham – Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Natural Disaster Recovery, Minister for Equality) (14:05): This summer many have lived with the ongoing threat of bushfires, especially in western Victoria. I offer my deep gratitude to the thousands of people involved in the response efforts and recovery work. So many gave up celebrations, left homes, families and comfy beds and travelled across the state to help. In the first 21 days this included almost 8000 Victorian CFA members. The response involves intensive planning. The expertise, experience and wisdom within incident control centres (ICCs) is exceptional. Then there are the skills of the rappel and aerial crews with nearly 90 different aircraft; Forest Fire Management Victoria staff; the support of FRV, the BOM, Emergency Management Victoria, Victoria Police, the base camp tent villages and the SES; the extraordinary work of the state command centre – and this is just a snapshot. I thank everyone who followed the advice of emergency services and left early. I thank local business owners for continuing to support their employees’ volunteer efforts.

Since becoming Minister for Emergency Services six weeks ago I have regularly visited, including once with the Premier and the Prime Minister. I have seen the tired, ash-covered faces of Dimboola CFA and seen and smelt the nearby fireground. I have witnessed the immense knowledge of the Horsham ICC and experienced dense smoke covering the town. Halls Gap CFA showed me their dedication and determination. I have listened to local councils and businesses about their concerns, and those I met in Pomonal were incredible. I saw Dimboola’s new appliance and appreciate the new appliances delivered in recent times for Penshurst, Ellerslie, Halls Gap, Sandsmere, Willaura and Elmhurst. I am grateful for the many well-attended community meetings. I thank the Albanese government for working with us to provide financial support for locals, which includes so far $610,000 for councils providing emergency relief, $650,000 for individuals and families and over $146,000 in income support under the disaster recovery allowance. This is a constantly changing environment, and we are determined to continue supporting those communities and those who defend and help them.

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: I remind members about interjecting across the chamber. You will be removed without warning.