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Tim Bull accuses Labor government of reducing fire mitigation work, misleading contractors, prioritising former timber industry assets

Gippsland East MP Tim Bull accused the Allan Labor government of reducing fire mitigation work, misleading contractors, and prioritising former timber industry assets over existing external plant panel workers.

By news@gippsland - 24th November 2025 - Back to News

The Allan Labor government has been accused of severely cutting back on work given to contractors engaged in fire mitigation in East Gippsland. Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, said the contractors who rely on this work for their income, had also been misled by the Environment Minister, Steve Diomopoulos.

Tim Bull claimed contractors relying on fire mitigation work were misled, as DEECA grants to former timber contractors reduced work for existing external plant panel workers

Contract panel concerns

Mr Bull told Parliament that when Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) contracts were granted to former timber industry harvest and haulage contractors when that sector was closed, concerns were raised that they may take work from the existing external plant panel workers.

"When I raised this, in the Minister’s response on June 6 last year, he attempted to allay those concerns, stating "similar volumes of forest and fire management work as previous years will be made available to the panel."

"He also said the funding to the harvest and haulage contractors was "new funding", indicating it would not impact on the external plant panel. However, despite this, we saw a major reduction in work being awarded to the panel," he said.

External work dispute

Mr Bull said he raised it again in December and the Minister responded, saying the reduction in work was a "temporary variation" and "the volume of work will increase for the balance of the financial year and will align with previous volumes of work. Again, this did not eventuate as promised with little - and in some cases no work offered."

"Then last week at an information session for external plant contractors, a slide was shown saying ‘(former harvest and haulage) contractor assets are considered internal assets and must be considered before external plants are engaged’. This flies in the face of the ‘new money’ claim and that there was to be no competition," he said.

"Hence, I have asked the Minister to both restore the same levels of work to the external plant panel and provide me with the budget of works they have received over each of the past five years, so we can see the level of reduction. It’s quite clear there should be plenty of work for all with the bush desperately needing high levels of management," he said.

Pictures from Tim Bull MP website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Nationals leader Matt Canavan met with farm groups over concerns Labor’s EPBC changes could create uncertainty and regulatory risks. Industry wants amendments, clearer guidance, mapping, support tools and independent review.
• Celebrate the Lakes event highlighting Gippsland Lakes diversity and environmental projects protecting vital local ecosystems
  The East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority will host Celebrate the Lakes at Eagle Point, showcasing Gippsland Lakes biodiversity, environmental projects and community efforts protecting local waterways, wetlands and wildlife.
• Southern Rural Water manages Gippsland storages during rainfall, balancing flood risks, water supplies and community safety
  Southern Rural Water managed Gippsland water storages during significant weekend rainfall, using controlled releases to create capacity, reduce flood risks and protect community safety and water supplies.
• Martin Cameron slams fresh Bank Street traffic light delays as environmental studies push project back again
  The Nationals have criticised the Victorian government after environmental studies and cultural heritage approvals were blamed for fresh delays to long-promised traffic lights at Traralgon Bank Street intersection, despite years of funding.
• Darren Chester joins Annabel Crabb for locally sourced Gippsland feast on ABC's Kitchen Cabinet series
  Darren Chester will feature on ABC's Kitchen Cabinet with Annabel Crabb, showcasing Gippsland produce and locally sourced food when the episode airs August 25.
• Wellington Shire Council opposes mandatory fourth glass recycling bin, urging Victoria to allow council flexibility instead
  Wellington Shire Council has again urged the Victorian government to scrap mandatory household glass bins, citing costs, practicality and existing Container Deposit Scheme success while seeking greater flexibility for regional councils.
• Major GRISS upgrade strengthens Gippsland’s premier indoor sports and events venue for future growth
  The upgraded Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium was officially opened, delivering modern facilities, supporting local jobs, and strengthening its role as Gippsland's leading venue for community sport and major events.