The Hon. Rob Horstman, Shadow Minister for Emergency Services, Media Release, 5 February 2026

The Cook Labor Government’s approach to fire management has become so reckless that it is only a matter of time before lives are lost, according to Shadow Minister for Emergency Services Hon Rob Horstman MLC.

Despite extreme heat and active bushfires across the State, the Government continues to authorise prescribed burns during the height of the fire season — all while mobile phone coverage repeatedly fails when communities most need it.

“When is the Government going to pull its finger out and make fire management the priority it should be?” Mr Horstman said.

“Day after day, I am hearing of yet another Government-approved burn being lit while temperatures soar and fires rip through national parks and native bushland.

“Prescribed burns are taking place with little apparent regard for wildlife, livestock, breeding cycles, land conditions, or — most importantly — the safety of people.”

Mr Horstman said these decisions are being made against a backdrop of chronic telecommunications failures, with long-promised mobile towers, backup generators and automatic transfer units still not delivered.

“It’s a travesty. The Cook Labor Government can find money for racetracks, yacht races and rock concerts, but it cannot make regional communities safer.”

At the same time, volunteer fire brigades are being stretched to breaking point, often relying on outdated or insufficient equipment.

“Volunteers are routinely pulled away from their own communities — and their day jobs — to fight fires hundreds of kilometres away, leaving their hometowns even more exposed,” Mr Horstman said.

According to the latest Productivity Commission’s Report on Government Services for Emergency Management, Western Australia has the lowest number of firefighters of any state or territory.

“This situation cannot be ignored any longer,” Mr Horstman said.

“The Minister for Emergency Services, Hon Paul Papalia MLA, needs to step up and address this crisis immediately.

“The Government must adopt a common-sense, consultative approach to prescribed burning, deliver reliable telecommunications across regional WA, and conduct a comprehensive review of the regional fire service network to ensure crews are properly resourced to protect property and save lives.

“We live in the regions. If the Government doesn’t understand what needs to be done, we are more than ready to show them.”