Bushfire-affected communities have extra time to share their concerns and experiences through a Parliamentary inquiry, with the submission deadline extended to April 19.
The inquiry, which The Nationals secured, will look at bushfire causes, their impact on communities, business and the environment – including native wildlife – and the resourcing and funding of emergency services agencies.
It will also consider the Allan Labor Government’s fire preparation and planning, including management of fuel loads, and the management of public and private land and roadsides.
Ms Kealy said residents had contacted her office concerned that the initial inquiry feedback window was too narrow and did not allow adequate time for those affected to prepare detailed submissions.
She encouraged anyone who had not yet put forward their feedback to use the one-month extension to do so.
“It’s critical that the inquiry hears from people with first-hand experience, and I encourage volunteers, firefighters, farmers, emergency service personnel and community members to consider making a submission,” she said.
“Our region has faced significant fires over the past three summers, and this inquiry is an opportunity to document what we have experienced and turn those lessons into recommendations that strengthen how we prepare for, respond to and recover from natural disasters.”
Submissions can be made at parliament.vic.gov.au/2026firesinquiry
The inquiry committee is due to provide a report to Parliament by June 1.