Tuesday, 3 February 2026

 Tim McCURDY (Ovens Valley) (19:21): The bushfires have taken a massive toll, and I note in the Premier’s condolence motion debate earlier today the Premier said that we will stand side by side with affected Victorians and we will not leave anyone behind. I request the Premier to assist the small cohort of fire victims of this summer in regional Victoria who are ineligible for any agency support because the fire occurred pre the major natural disaster. I understand that a natural disaster and a funding arrangement do not kick in until a certain level of property loss. I genuinely get that, and I understand it. There has to be a starting point. What I do not understand is when a natural disaster has been declared, which it has for this summer, those who have lost their homes through fire cannot then be included within the safety net. In other words, once declared, a natural disaster can be backdated to the beginning of this summer.

In the Ovens Valley, in a small bushfire on the 9 December, two houses were lost in an out-of-control bushfire. Leshya Perkins and Helen Harrington, both of Markwood, now watch all of the support that is afforded to the major fires literally pass them by because their fire was on the wrong date. I know there are rules in place for a natural disaster, but please, Premier, I beg you: if you genuinely want to support fire-affected families, reach out and include them in the support packages afforded to others. At the end of the day the funds required will be a drop in the ocean compared to the support that we need to offer to all regions. I ask that you be fair and consider both Leshya and Helen of Markwood to be eligible for funding. They are Victorians too. This is a chance to offer a hand up to those who desperately need support. We have an opportunity to assist families who fall through the cracks. I seek your assistance.