Tuesday, 25 August 2026

 Ryan BATCHELOR (Southern Metropolitan) (22:23): (2727) My adjournment matter tonight is to the Minister for Emergency Services, and the action that I seek is an update on how our firefighters and emergency services personnel are supporting our international friends as they respond to devastating fires facing their communities. Our first responders know what it means to face a bushfire. They know the heat, the danger, the exhaustion and the uncertainty that comes with facing off against a fast-moving and often unpredictable fire. Victoria is one of the most bushfire-prone regions in the world, but sadly, we are not alone in facing these serious risks. When those overseas need help, Victorians are always there to answer the call. Now, as fires continue to threaten communities across North America, almost 100 Victorians have travelled to their aid, principally in the United States and Canada, taking on critical roles including incident management, air operations, sector command, taskforce leadership and field safety. Victoria has got some of the most experienced and capable firefighters and emergency services personnel in the world, and they have taken their skills and knowledge, developed from fighting some of Victoria’s most devastating fires, to keep people safe on the other side of the globe. They do so supported by their families, their workplaces, their friends and the wider emergency services community, and their efforts now are strengthening our international partnerships, sharing expertise and standing alongside our friends when they need it. We have seen this solidarity reciprocated during our own bushfire emergencies when we make the call. I am sure that I speak for many here in asking the minister to provide an update on the efforts of these brave Victorians and to extend to them our support.