General Debate

Victoria: Bushfires

House of Representatives · Monday 9 February 2026

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

Members debated a motion commemorating the 17th anniversary of the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires and acknowledging recent fire events in Victoria. Speakers honoured the victims, survivors, and emergency services personnel, particularly the Country Fire Authority volunteers. The debate also addressed criticisms of the Victorian government's fuel load management and the impact of shutting down the native hardwood timber industry on fire suppression capabilities. The motion was agreed to without amendment.

Outcome

The motion was agreed to.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Aaron Violi (Casey) (Liberal Party) Liberal

Violi moved the motion to mark the 17th anniversary of the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires, noting the loss of 173 lives and the destruction of over 2,000 homes. The member paid tribute to the bravery of Country Fire Authority crews and volunteers who defended communities during both the 2009 disaster and recent fires. Violi highlighted the death of cattle farmer Max Hobson in the Longwood fire and the devastation to agricultural livelihoods. The member commended community initiatives, such as the Cute Ute Crew delivering hay to affected farmers, as evidence of enduring regional resilience.

Opposition response

Dan Tehan (Wannon) (Liberal Party) Liberal

Tehan supported the motion and recalled the severe conditions of Black Saturday, particularly fires in his electorate including Coleraine. The member argued that local volunteers and farmers with their own equipment prevented greater damage in western Victoria. Tehan stated that funding for volunteer firefighters had never been more important. The member criticised the failure to implement Black Saturday royal commission recommendations regarding annual controlled burning and noted the deterioration of firefighting equipment.

Rob Mitchell (McEwen) (Australian Labor Party) ALP support

Mitchell reflected on the timeline of the 2009 fires, detailing the spread of the Kilmore East and Murrindindi fires. The member noted that 173 people died and up to one million animals perished, leaving lasting physical and mental scars on communities. Mitchell defended former Premier Brumby’s warnings prior to the disaster and paid tribute to emergency responders and survivors, including police officer Cameron Caine and CFA volunteer Joe Shepherd.
Kate Thwaites (Jagajaga) (Australian Labor Party) ALP support

Thwaites described Black Saturday as a catalyst for changing national emergency management practices, including the introduction of the catastrophic fire danger rating and the Australian Warning System. The member argued that these reforms have provided clarity and likely saved lives in recent severe weather events. Thwaites emphasised the need to continue learning from the disaster to prepare for a future with more frequent and severe fires due to climate change.
Sam Birrell (Nicholls) (National Party) Nationals support

Birrell moved a separate motion acknowledging the impact of recent bushfires in the Longwood and Yarroweyah areas. The member criticised the Victorian government for inadequate roadside fuel load management, citing CFA recommendations that vegetation should not exceed 10 centimetres. Birrell urged the Commonwealth government to support recovery efforts and fund infrastructure repairs, noting that the federal government had previously refused to fund a bridge damaged in 2022 floods.
Darren Chester (Gippsland) (National Party) Nationals support

Chester seconded Birrell’s motion, arguing that managing fuel load is the primary controllable factor in reducing fire severity. The member criticised the closure of the sustainable native hardwood timber industry, stating it reduced the capacity for fire suppression by removing skilled workers and equipment. Chester advocated for more practical environmental management and referenced the book by John Mulligan, which highlights the importance of consistent fuel reduction burns.