Thursday, 16 October 2025

 Rikkie-Lee TYRRELL (Northern Victoria) (12:16): (1079) My question today is for the Minister for Environment in the other place. On Thursday last week it was revealed that forest fire management and DEECA grounded their entire fleet of 290 Mercedes-Benz G-Wagons and 59 Unimogs due to safety concerns. This came just 24 hours after the Premier warned Victorians of a dangerous and active fire season. Can the minister confirm how long forest fire management will be without these vital firefighting vehicles?

 Gayle TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Water) (12:16): I thank Ms Tyrrell for her question. It is a question for the Minister for Environment. It will be referred to him, and he will respond consistent with the standing orders.

 Rikkie-Lee TYRRELL (Northern Victoria) (12:16): I thank the minister for passing that on. Government spokespeople have told the Herald Sun and the ABC that the holes left in the firefighting fleet will be plugged by CFA and SES crews. But I have spoken to volunteers from the CFA, and they have told me that this is not possible with their ageing fleet of trucks. Will the minister outline what strategies are planned to use CFA and FRV personnel and equipment to cover the loss of forest fire management capability in order to ensure Victorians’ safety during the upcoming bushfire season?

 Gayle TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Water) (12:17): I thank Ms Tyrrell for her supplementary, which, again, will be referred to the Minister for Environment for an answer.