VFF Urges Action on Bushfire Inquiry

The Victorian Farmers Federation says the latest Parliamentary Inquiry into the state's 2026 summer bushfires must lead to action, warning farmers cannot afford another review without meaningful change.

VFF President Ryan Milgate says growers have spent years calling for better public land fuel management, stronger support for the Country Fire Authority and greater frontline firefighting capability to protect agricultural communities.

He says many of those recommendations have already been identified through previous bushfire inquiries, and the focus should now be on implementing solutions rather than producing another report.

Mr Milgate says farmers are too often left on the frontline protecting families, livestock and neighbours before being left to recover long after the fires are extinguished.

The VFF has also renewed its opposition to Victoria's Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund, arguing the levy places further pressure on rural communities while volunteers remain under-resourced.