[Jade Benham] Benham encourages community input into bushfire inquiry

The Nationals' Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, has supported the establishment of a parliamentary inquiry into the 2026 summer bushfires, saying regional communities deserve transparency, accountability and stronger preparation for future fire seasons.

Ms Benham said the fires, including those at Wyperfeld and Hattah Kulkyne, had a significant impact on effected areas and highlighted the need for a thorough and independent review.

"Families, farmers, volunteers and local businesses went through an incredibly challenging time," Ms Benham said.

"They deserve clear answers about how prepared Victoria was, how the response was managed, and what must change to better protect regional communities in the future."

Ms Benham said the inquiry must examine emergency preparedness, frontline resourcing and coordination between agencies, as well as the broader impacts on communities, agriculture, the environment and native wildlife.

"If there are gaps in planning, communication or resourcing, they must be identified and fixed," Ms Benham said.

Ms Benham encouraged those affected to make a submission to the parliamentary committee, saying local insight would be critical to strengthening future bushfire response and support for regional Victorians.

Submissions are now open. For more information or to make a submission, visit:Submissions - Inquiry into the 2026 summer fires across Victoria - Parliament of Victoria.