This review report provides critical insights into Victoria's preparedness for and response to the COVID-19 pandemic and opportunities for continuous improvement.

This report evaluates the relief and recovery efforts activated before, during and after the 2019–20 Victorian fire season. The Victorian Inspector-General for Emergency Management makes a series of observations and findings related to both relief and recovery, and proposes 15 recommendations to government.

The Victorian emergency management sector has undergone significant reform in the 10 years since the 2009 Victorian bushfires. This review report makes eight observations, thirty-three findings, and five recommendations identifying good practice and opportunities for continuous improvement.

In January 2020, the Victorian Premier announced an independent inquiry into the 2019–20 Victorian fire season. Phase 1 of the inquiry reflects upon broader issues around the management of fire emergencies in this state. In relation to the 2019–20 fires, it examines how well prepared...