On 20 July 2023 the Victorian Government approved public release of our second progress report on the implementation of actions in response the Inquiry into the 2019–20 Victorian Fire Season: Phase 1 – Community and sector preparedness for and response to the 2019–20 fire season (Phase 1 report) and Review of 10 Years of reform in Victoria’s emergency management sector (10 Year Review).

Of the 139 actions committed to by the government to address recommendations from the 10 Year Review and Phase 1 report, a further 34 actions have been assessed as complete or closed, leaving 47 actions in progress.

Overall, significant progress has been made by all government departments and agencies involved to bring about long-term impactful changes in response to the 10 Year Review and Phase 1 report.

Notable achievements include the establishment of the Office of Bushfire Risk Management (External link) and the implementation of the Australian Fire Danger Rating System (External link) and the Australian Warning System (External link) across Victoria.

The report also outlines key initiatives to build community resilience including the installation of back-up telecommunication sites and planning for future emergencies through emergency evacuation exercises.

In our next report, we’ll also outline implementation progress made in response to the Inquiry’s Phase 2 report, concerning improvements to the state’s relief and recovery arrangements.

You can read the full progress report 2022 at igem.vic.gov.au.