COMMITTEES

Senator GALLAGHER (Australian Capital Territory—Minister for Finance, Minister for the Public Service, Minister for Women, Minister for Government Services and Manager of Government Business in the Senate) (15:48): I seek leave to make a short statement. The PRESIDENT: Leave is granted. Senator GALLAGHER: The government will be opposing this motion.

Considerable risk remains for many communities across Victoria affected by this event. There is also an increased risk of bushfire forecast for Victoria in February. The inquiry would require additional work and resources from Commonwealth, state and local government staff, who are currently dedicated to responding and leading recovery efforts during the high-risk-weather season.

Any additional burden to this workload would come at a cost to the people that these governments are trying to support. In good conscience, we can't support the motion while these teams are still working day and night. The PRESIDENT: The question is that business of the Senate No. 4, standing in the name of Senator McKenzie, be agreed to.