Victoria announces inquiry as Morrison government pushes for fire royal commission

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has announced a state-based review into the bushfires and questioned what a national inquiry would examine.

Victoria has announced a state-based inquiry into the bushfires, with Daniel Andrews questioning what Scott Morrison’s proposed royal commission would examine. Source: AAP

Victoria has joined NSW in announcing a state-based inquiry into the bushfires, with Premier Daniel Andrews questioning what a national royal commission would examine.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison is preparing to take a proposal for a bushfire royal commission to the federal cabinet.

But the states have got out ahead of him with their own reviews.

Mr Andrews has questioned what a federal inquiry would achieve.

Firefighters at work near Corryong, Victoria, during the recent bushfires. Source: AAP

"It's unclear to me ... whether this would be an inquiry into how the national effort can be as best coordinated as possible, or whether it's an inquiry into the event more broadly," Mr Andrews told reporters on Tuesday.

The Victorian inquiry will examine the state's preparedness and response to the bushfire season.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has also foreshadowed a review into the fires, deferring questions over her support for a royal commission to the federal government.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has said her government is "not against the idea" of a national inquiry.

"We're happy to assist in any conversation about long term management of bushfires," Ms Palaszczuk said.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison says no more Sunday barbeques. Source: AAP

"Queensland has more experience than any other state at dealing with natural disasters and we're keen to share what we've learned, and a good opportunity might be the next meeting of COAG (in March).

"We're not against the idea. The time for bitterness and name-calling and finger-pointing is well past us."

ACT chief minister Andrew Barr supports some form of national inquiry but it does not necessarily have to be a royal commission.

"It's clear from this summer's experience that business as usual for commonwealth/state relations as it pertains to emergency response management will have to change," Mr Barr said.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has announced a state-based review into the bushfires. Source: AAP

"No inquiry into this bushfire season, nor how the country can prepare for future bushfire seasons, would be adequate without a thorough examination of the impacts of climate change."

With wires...