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The Victorian Greens have expressed deep concern as bushfires burn out of control in Victoria, with the State Control Centre warning of more extreme heat in the coming days and an escalating risk to lives and homes in areas facing catastrophic fire danger ratings.

An emergency bushfire near Longwood has forced evacuations, with homes and livestock feared lost after the fire rapidly expanded overnight under dangerous conditions.

The Greens said their thoughts were with everyone being asked to leave their homes today, as communities face an anxious and uncertain wait while extreme fire conditions continue. 

The unfolding crisis underlines the urgent need for strong preparedness, properly resourced fire services, and serious action to reduce the severe climate risks presented by both the Victorian and federal Labor governments’ continued burning of coal and gas. 

Acting Leader of the Victorian Greens, Dr Sarah Mansfield: 

“Our thoughts are with everyone being asked to leave their homes today. It’s so scary for these communities who face an anxious and uncertain wait while extreme fire conditions continue. We know that for many of these communities, the devastation of the Black Summer bushfires remains front of mind.

“We’re deeply grateful to the career and volunteer firefighters risking their lives in brutal conditions to protect people and homes, but they deserve more than our thanks and must be properly resourced to do their jobs safely.”

“Victoria needs stronger preparedness, properly resourced fire services, and real action on climate change to keep communities safe. Labor has made clear choices that have put Victoria at risk – cutting bushfire capacity and approving at least five major fossil fuel gas projects in the past nine months that pour fuel on the climate crisis driving these dangerous conditions.”

“Victoria is facing the most dangerous fire conditions since Black Summer, a stark reminder that our summers are becoming more intense and unpredictable and that we must do more to prepare and protect communities.”

Acting leader Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said today:

“We welcome the Prime Minister’s decision to call a Federal Royal Commission into Antisemitism, Social Cohesion and National Security and Intelligence Agencies, to be led by former High Court Justice, the Hon Virginia Bell AC, as Commissioner.

“A balanced, careful and powerful Royal Commission is a chance to learn hard lessons while minimising divisive politics in crafting a national response to the anti-Semitic Bondi mass shooting.

“The strongest national response will be based on bringing together multicultural Australia to reinforce our values of tolerance, democracy and respect.

“This inquiry must clearly distinguish between the strengths and pillars of our diverse multicultural society and the narrow destructive forces of extremism.

“The Royal Commission must tackle anti-semitism and all forms of racism, including confronting Islamophobia and other extremist elements as part of the Commission’s social cohesion mandate.

“There are deep concerns about the coordination and response of national security and intelligence agencies and we welcome this public examination of them including current oversight arrangements.

“The Greens will continue to work constructively with the Government to ensure our communities are safe and free of hate and prejudice.”

Shane Rattenbury, Leader of the ACT Greens:

“The ACT Parliament’s fiscal sustainability review must consider the cost of the climate crisis – its impact on the health and wellbeing of the community and how, if not addressed, this will continue to blow out the ACT Budget.

“We must consider the health costs of climate inaction. If we don’t, many more Canberrans will be harmed from the impacts of extreme weather events, and we risk a situation where there’s no resources to deliver support and services when they are most needed.

“Just last year, the ACT Labor Government raked up a $387 million overspend on the hospital and a budget deficit totalling around $1.5 billion – $500 million more than forecast. Our hospital bill will continue to rise unless the government starts to deliver preventative initiatives.

“Just yesterday, an ANU report found 1 in 15 visits to the emergency department in Canberra are due to extreme heat or cold. That’s almost 7% of presentations which could have been prevented through climate mitigation and preparation measures.

“Canberrans living below the poverty line are at greatest risk of extreme weather events, like bushfires and heatwaves.

“There are many Canberrans who are sweltering in poorly insulated homes, and that number skyrockets for renters and public housing tenants. Many public housing tenants are already living with chronic health conditions or disabilities so are at a greater risk of harm.

“Coupled with one of the lowest GP bulk-billing rates in the country, many households struggling to pay bills or put food on the table cannot afford to see the doctor. Instead, people become so unwell they need to be hospitalised and take much longer to recover.

“The climate crisis fuels inequality, but it doesn’t have to be this way – it just needs ambition and action. But under Labor we’ve seen climate action stalled and the health response focused on the emergency department, rather than helping people before they become that unwell.

“Inaction is inhumane, and it’s costly. We need initiatives that help all Canberrans prepare and become more resilient in the face of climate-driven weather extremes.

“The inquiry must consider how initiatives like improving heating and cooling in buildings, more public places to shelter from extreme weather events, and more bulk-billed GP appointments will make life better for many Canberrans and ease pressure off emergency and crisis services.”

The Albanese Labor Government will establish a Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion in response to the Bondi terrorist attack.

The Government has asked Former High Court Justice the Hon Virginia Bell AC to serve as Commissioner.

Ms Bell has the deep experience and expertise to conduct her inquiry in such a way that meaningfully examines the impact of antisemitism on the daily life of Jewish Australians – and works to promote social cohesion.

The Government has asked Commissioner Bell to report before the end of the year, and to ensure this inquiry does not prejudice any future criminal proceedings.

The Royal Commission will cover four key areas, as set out in the Letters Patent.

1. Tackling antisemitism by investigating the nature and prevalence of antisemitism in institutions and society, and its key drivers in Australia, including ideologically and religiously motivated extremism and radicalisation.
2. Making recommendations that will assist law enforcement, border control, immigration and security agencies to tackle antisemitism, including through improvements to guidance and training within law enforcement, border control, immigration, and security agencies to respond to antisemitic conduct.
3. Examining the circumstances surrounding the antisemitic Bondi terrorist attack on 14 December 2025.
4. Making any other recommendations arising out of the inquiry for strengthening social cohesion in Australia and countering the spread of ideologically and religiously motivated extremism in Australia.

To ensure this is a truly national Royal Commission, all States and Territories will be asked to join the Commission.

Dennis Richardson’s Independent Commonwealth Review into Australia’s federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies will become part of the Commission and he will support its work, with delivery of an Interim Report by the Commission in April.

The Government’s focus in the aftermath of the antisemitic Bondi terrorist attack has been on urgent and immediate action.

That’s why we have:

• Adopted recommendations from the Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism, Jillian Segal.
• Brought together National Cabinet to fast-track tougher gun laws.
• Delivered new resources to our law enforcement agencies to help prevent further attacks.
• Established the Richardson Review – to quickly identify any gaps in the work of the national security bodies.

When Parliament returns the Government will also introduce new laws to criminalise hate speech and hate preachers, as well as deliver tougher gun laws.

A Royal Commission is not the beginning or the end of what Australia must do to eradicate antisemitism, protect ourselves from terrorism or strengthen our social cohesion.

That is an ongoing national effort, for all of us.

Because an attack on Jewish Australians, is an attack on all Australians.