The Inspector‑General of the Emergency Management review confirmed the inquiry had not yet commenced and would not be completed until after the November state election, raising concerns about the state’s bushfire preparedness.
The January fires claimed a life, destroyed hundreds of homes and burned vast areas of land across regional Victoria.
However, the review process has now been pushed back until later this year.
“This was a tragedy, and there are serious questions that need answering,” Ms Cleeland said.
She said the delay meant recommendations would not be available before what is forecast to be a hot and dry El Niño summer, limiting the ability of authorities to improve frontline resourcing, equipment and emergency response.
“Why has this been pushed out for nearly 12 months, when it means we cannot implement a single recommendation before the next fire season?” she said.
The Legislative Council Environment and Planning Committee’s chair Ryan Batchelor said the enquiry submission deadline had been extended due to community feedback.
“We’ve listened to members of the community who told us the deadline should be extended,” Mr Batchelor said.
“Hopefully, this extra time means those directly affected by the fires, and those with knowledge of this topic, can better share their experiences and insights with us.”
Ms Cleeland said she was encouraging CFA volunteers and affected residents to make submissions to the enquiry.
“I am encouraging every CFA volunteer and every impacted resident to put their experience on the record,” she said.
She said the government must commit to a clear timeline.
“Our communities deserve answers, and they deserve them now, not after the next disaster and after an election,” she said.
