"For ScoMo to say "Bushfires are a state issue" shows how little concept he has"
That is not his opinion, it is in fact the law.
That could be changed, with legislation. Good luck getting that through by this time tomorrow....
As it stands the Feds throw money at the States to contribute to the procurement of aerial assets.
Have a look on JB. Some fire issues discussed outside the aviation arena that have a big effect.