Dan Tehan (Wannon, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Immigration and Citizenship) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Over the last two weeks, we've seen the tragedy of fire hit western Victoria. At Pomonal 46 houses were lost, sadly, and over the last few days in and around Beaufort we've seen six homes and other property lost. Sheds and livestock have been lost. I've just got to say thank you to all the emergency services who have been out there actively keeping our communities safe. They've done an extraordinary job. The fact that we've had no loss of life is all thanks to their herculean efforts. They've done an absolutely outstanding job. There's still a lot of work to do in protecting the communities going forward. On Wednesday, there is another code red day that has been forecast. The fire will not be out in and around Beaufort, but there's work going on to try and get that fire under control.

I'd just like, on behalf of the parliament, to thank everyone who's been putting in that tireless effort to keep the community safe. There are those out on the fire front. There are those flying by air dropping retardant and water onto the fire. There are those who are providing the food. There are those who are working in the shelters to feed people who have to evacuate their homes. It's just an all-round community effort to keep people safe. I give a heartfelt thank you to you all.