Thursday, 16 October 2025

 Tom McINTOSH (Eastern Victoria) (12:45): (1882) My question is for the Minister for Environment. Minister, Victoria is one of the most bushfire-prone areas in the world, and in particular the electorate of Eastern Victoria includes huge areas of public land with increased bushfire risk. With drought affecting large parts of the state, including parts of Gippsland, and the fire season upon us, people are concerned about bushfires. Minister, can you please outline the state’s readiness for the 2025–26 bushfire season with a focus on the seasonal risk and preparedness in Eastern Victoria? Victoria has always experienced bushfires, and with climate change these are getting more frequent and damaging, further highlighting the importance of preparedness for each upcoming season.