Tuesday, 28 October 2025

 Gaelle BROAD (Northern Victoria) (12:49): My question is to the Minister for Environment. The bushfire season is fast approaching, and yet 290 G-Wagons and 59 Unimogs – critical frontline firefighting vehicles – have been taken offline due to chassis and subframe faults. These vehicles are crucial to Forest Fire Management Victoria’s response capability, particularly in remote and high-risk areas. In a recent season briefing I was assured by the chief officer Jason Heffernan that no CFA vehicles were out of operation. However, Fire Rescue Victoria indicated similar challenges with critical appliances offline and in need of repair. Minister, can you confirm how long Forest Fire Management Victoria vehicles have been out of commission, what steps are being taken to address the faults and safety issues identified and that regional communities in Northern Victoria will have adequate emergency vehicle coverage at the start of the fire season?