Preface In 2015, the Inspector-General for Emergency Management (IGEM) assumed responsibility for monitoring the implementation of remaining recommendations and related actions from the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission (VBRC). Monitoring the implementation of recommendations and actions from inquiries and reviews is one of IGEM’s key activities in providing assurance to government and our communities of the emergency management sector’s commitment to reducing the likelihood, effect and consequences of emergencies. In August 2015, IGEM’s first VBRC implementation monitoring report prepared for the Minister for Emergency Services (the minister), detailed that of the 21 ongoing actions, eight actions were complete, and two were closed. Based on the evidence provided by relevant agencies and departments at that time, IGEM expected the remaining 11 actions would be completed within the following 12 month reporting period. In this 2016 progress report, of the 11 actions remaining in 2015, seven actions have been determined as closed and two actions deemed as completed. The two remaining ongoing and actions will continue to be monitored by IGEM however their completion will be reported directly to the minister. Therefore, this 2016 progress report now concludes IGEM’s responsibility for annual VBRC implementation reporting. In the five years since actions were first developed in response to the VBRC’s final report, Victoria’s emergency management arrangements have undergone significant reform, particularly through the State’s commitment to an all-agencies, all-communities approach. A number of the then ongoing VBRC actions closely align with actions being undertaken in response to the 2014 and 2015–16 Hazelwood Mine Fire Inquiry reports and the Independent Investigation of the 2015 Lancefield- Cobaw Fire that the IGEM will continue to monitor. Additionally, the introduction of a rolling three-year action plan – the Victorian Emergency Management Strategic Action Plan (SAP) – and its associated reform actions will guide the continual improvement of emergency management arrangements in Victoria. IGEM’s monitoring and reporting responsibilities associated with the SAP will provide confidence to the government and our communities in the progress and efficacy of these reforms towards realising the emergency management sector’s vision of safer and more resilient communities. I am grateful for the cooperation and contribution of the many government departments and emergency management sector organisations enabling the preparation of this report which clearly demonstrates the collegiate approach to assuring Victoria’s emergency management arrangements. Tony Pearce Inspector-General for Emergency Management
REF ACTION DUE DATE LEAD AGENCY STATUS 22(k) Fire agencies to develop and enhance fire information systems and upgrade existing tools such as FireWeb 14/10/2014 DELWP Closed 27(d) Targeted work program for distribution businesses to reduce bushfire risk 30/06/2016 ESV Complete (ix) Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) considers new standards for line construction in highest bushfire risk areas 49(h) Amend Building Regulations 2006 to adopt performance requirements 31/03/2012 DELWP Ongoing 49(i) Develop guidelines for retrofitting class 9 buildings 30/06/2014* VBA Ongoing 56(d) Increased planned burning to 390,000 ha 30/06/2014* DELWP Closed 56(f) Identify changes required to effectively and efficiently achieve the target planned burn 30/06/2014* DELWP Closed 59(b) Amend operational manuals and guides and advise all staff 1/12/2012 DELWP Closed *Bushfires Royal Commission Implementation Monitor reporting date