Yes the PM was told about this in April when 23 former Fire and Emergency Services Chiefs
And what advice did the States get from their present day Fire Chiefs?
The Federal Govt do not own or leases the aerial assets. But the Feds do supply funding, but it is a state responsibility on what assets they have.
I can imagine the hue and cry if the Feds tried to take over a State based asset.
So irrespective if these former did get to see the PM, they are barking up the wrong tree. They should be directing their time and effort at their former bosses, the States.