On 28 July 2026, the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into the 2026 summer fires across Victoria tabled its final report, with 80 recommendations and 93 findings. Over 440,000 hectares of land were burnt, with an estimated more than 45,000 livestock deaths and an incalculable loss of wildlife.
Key recommendations and findings related to the veterinary profession for the Victorian Government include:
- To consider ways in which local veterinarians and registered firearms owners can access impacted properties to support farmers and assist with livestock euthanasia.
- Advise the Department of Energy Environment and Climate Action review post‑fire wildlife response arrangements, including the deployment of trained wildlife volunteers, veterinarians and wildlife organisations.
The AVA in its submission to the inquiry highlighted the pivotal role of the veterinary profession in disaster responses by treating disaster affected animals and assessing those requiring urgent veterinary care, including making informed decisions on humane euthanasia for severely injured animals where necessary, to ensure animal welfare needs are met.
The next steps are for the Victorian Government to respond in writing to any recommendations made in this report. In its response, the Government indicates whether it supports the Committee’s recommendations. It can also outline actions it may take. The Government has six months to respond to the final report, with the response made public.
Read the full AVA Submission Here