We made a policy submission to the Victorian Government’s inquiry into the 2026 summer fires.
Our submission explores bushfires as environmental and economic disasters, with serious and long-lasting impacts on people’s mental health and wellbeing.
We recognise that rural communities, people with pre-existing disadvantage, and those recovering from earlier disasters are often the hardest hit.
Our submission had six clear asks for the Victorian Government:
- Take stronger action on climate change
Reduce future bushfire risks by investing in renewable energy and limiting new fossil fuel development. - Improve disaster and climate planning
Better connect climate policy, emergency management, health systems, and community planning to better prepare Victoria for future disasters. - Make mental health a key element of disaster response
Prioritise mental health and psychosocial support as a core part of emergency planning, response, and recovery. - Invest in local mental health supports
Fund long-term, community-based mental health and recovery services, especially in rural and disaster-affected areas. - Prioritise people facing disadvantage
Make sure recovery systems better support people on low incomes, without insurance, with disabilities, or already impacted by previous disasters. - Strengthen public information and communication
Provide clear, accurate, and evidence-based information before and during bushfires, and respond to misinformation that can cause confusion and reduce trust.