The Victorian Government responded to the tabled final report on Thursday, February 6, where it decided on which recommendations it would be implementing.
Recommendation 49 from the final report called for increasing funding for volunteers to be trained at Shepparton Search and Rescue and Echuca Moama Search and Rescue.
Recommendation 57 advocated for a funding increase for the two search and rescue squads, to ensure optimal response capabilities in future emergencies.
Both recommendations were supported in principle by the government, but the government’s response for recommendation 49 said funding would be subjected to standard budgetary processes, and for recommendation 57, the squads were able to apply for state funding through the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program.
State Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell has criticised the response, saying the government ignored the report’s recommendations.
She also criticised the outcome of recommendation 57, pointing out that the VESEP only provided annual grants for new equipment, not ongoing operational funding.
“Despite the Allan Labor Government leading the inquiry, and Labor committee members supporting the recommendations, Labor have abandoned Victoria’s two independent emergency services when it comes to implementing the report’s recommendations,” she said.
“The minister must ensure that Shepparton Search and Rescue and the Echuca Moama Search and Rescue get their fair share of funding from the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund, along with all the other emergency services.”
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