Thursday, 5 February 2026

 Steve DIMOPOULOS (Oakleigh – Minister for Environment, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Minister for Outdoor Recreation) (10:12): I would also like to pay tribute to all our emergency services workers from Forest Fire Management Victoria to the CFA, Fire Rescue Victoria, SES, Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria and all those volunteers who have been out on the ground fighting the bushfires and supporting communities who have been impacted significantly – neighbour to neighbour, farmer to farmer, everybody. I would also like to thank those who have travelled from interstate and overseas to assist Victoria. Your work has been extraordinary. FFMVic has responded to 464 bushfires, which is quite incredible. But they do not just work when the fires are raging; this is year-round dedication to maintaining public land, protecting our native areas and wildlife and protecting the Victorian community. Thank you for all you do day in, day out.