The mental health impact of bushfires on community members missing in the Final Report of the NSW Bushfire Inquiry recommendations

Abstract

The Report of the NSW Bushfire Inquiry into the 2019-20 bushfires faIled to recognise the mental health impacts on the people in affected communities. The 2019-20 bushfires are considered one of the worst recorded in Australian history. The inquiry rightly identified the significant mental health impact of the bushfires on the firefighters and first responders. These individuals are exposed to significant hazards in their attempts to protect the land and communities. Their health and well-being is of the upmost importance. The disappointment is that the report includes several references to the physical health effects to communities exposed to the smoke from bushfires, with no reference to the mental health impact on those that have lost loved ones, their homes and/or their livelihood.