Friday, 14 November 2025

 Georgie PURCELL (Northern Victoria) (12:46): My question is for the Minister for Energy and Resources. In my electorate wildlife rescuers from Bendigo, Echuca and Whittlesea have sounded the alarm on unacceptable delays from some power companies, specifically Ausnet and United Energy, in responding to incidents of grey-headed flying foxes having been electrocuted by powerlines. In some of these cases mothers have died with their live pups clinging to powerlines, and rescuers have reported waiting up to 6 hours for crews to arrive, during which time the pups have suffered and ultimately died. By contrast, Powercor has in most cases responded promptly and understood the urgency required in these situations for this vital keystone species. What action is the minister taking to ensure all electricity distribution companies implement consistent, timely response protocols for wildlife rescuers across northern Victoria?