Western Victoria fires
Evan MULHOLLAND (Northern Metropolitan) (12:34): (429) My question is to the Minister for Emergency Services. Minister, last Tuesday was the first declared catastrophic fire danger day since the 2019–20 Black Summer fires, and people in affected committees were advised to leave their homes on Monday night. What coordination took place for strike teams to be in place in the affected areas?
Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Attorney-General, Minister for Emergency Services) (12:35): I thank Mr Mulholland for his question, but I think the way he characterised his question – we were well prepared. We knew that it was going to be a catastrophic day. Communities were warned, the State Control Centre was activated accordingly and strike teams were in place. I am not sure what you are concerned about in relation to the state’s preparedness. I am very confident in the State Control Centre and their ability to keep Victorians safe.
Evan MULHOLLAND (Northern Metropolitan) (12:35): Minister, will there be a review into the failings that occurred in fighting the fires in western Victoria on 13 February, and when will it be released?
Members interjecting.
Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Attorney-General, Minister for Emergency Services) (12:36): I think some of the interjections probably are consistent with my gut response to that question. The volunteers, the paid personnel and the communities responded incredibly to a catastrophic day. They saved lives, they saved properties and I thank them for that effort. I would not characterise it as a review into failings. I commend everyone who responded on the day and thank them for their efforts. Yes, we always look at every emergency. We have a review that commences before the emergency is even completed. We will always look for continual improvements, absolutely. I am on record as saying that no response is ever perfect; it never will be. We will always learn from every emergency, but I will not attack those that responded last Tuesday.