Wednesday, 17 June 2026

 Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Environment, Minister for Outdoor Recreation) (12:25): Today I rise to recognise Mr Aaron Kennedy. He was awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal in this year’s King’s Birthday honours. The Australian Fire Service Medal recognises distinguished service by members of Australian fire services. During his 23 years of dedicated service Aaron has demonstrated exceptional leadership, professionalism and unwavering commitment to the safety and wellbeing of both the Victorian community and our frontline emergency workers. He has served through some of the most difficult and confronting events faced by our fire services. This includes his leadership during the Beechworth Library Road fire on Black Saturday and the care and guidance he provided following the tragic deaths of two firefighters at Harrietville in 2013. These were extraordinarily challenging circumstances, and Aaron’s response demonstrated not only operational leadership but compassion, courage and a deep sense of responsibility for the people serving alongside him.

His contribution extends well beyond individual incidents. Through his leadership of Forest Fire Management Victoria and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Aaron has helped build a stronger, safer and more capable emergency management workforce. Our forest firefighters undertake demanding and often dangerous work to protect lives, communities and the environment. They deserve leaders who understand that responsibility, who put their safety and wellbeing first and who continually strive to improve the way that work is undertaken. Aaron Kennedy has been such a leader. This is a richly deserved recognition of his distinguished service, his care for his colleagues and his lasting contribution to the safety of our state. Congratulations, Aaron, and thank you for everything you do for Victoria.