Thursday, 24 September 2026

 Melina BATH (Eastern Victoria) (12:42): (2655) My question is to the Minister for Environment. Eastern Victorian Forest Fire Management Victoria contractors have told me that they are absorbing significant increases in diesel costs to continue delivering critical fuel reduction and bushfire preparedness works. With bushfire season fast approaching, these contractors play a vital role in helping Victorian communities remain safe, and yet they know that there is no clear mechanism for reviewing the rates when fuel costs rise sharply. I sent a letter to the former Minister for Environment back in April asking this very question. There is too much cost impost, and they are struggling then to be viable. My question to the minister is: will she outline steps as to how the government is making sure that these cost imposts are not undermining the viability of these contractors and therefore compromising bushfire preparedness capability?