The role was established in December 2024 and had only been held by state Member for Eltham Vicki Ward before being abolished in the latest reshuffle.
The move was criticised by state Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland.
“It sends a clear message that bushfire recovery is no longer a priority,” she said.
Ms Cleeland said that the minister became the single point of contact for bushfire-affected residents in the Euroa electorate, and the removal of the portfolio now left recovering communities wondering who was accountable for their concerns.
Ms Cleeland said the portfolio should have been strengthened, not abolished.
“It's a concerning moment ahead of January and the high fire danger period this summer, when communities need confidence that recovery and response systems are joined up, not fractured further,” Ms Cleeland said.
"This move also goes against the royal commission and the subsequent inquiries undertaken following natural disasters, all of which have called for a co-ordinated, single point of contact for recovering communities, not a fractured system."
The News contacted the premier’s office for a response, but did not receive a reply before deadline.
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