Victorian Premier, John Brumby, this week released a selective tender for a National Emergency Warning System to ensure the system is in place ahead of the next bushfire season.

Mr Brumby said the selective tender targeted two major telecommunications providers - Optus and Telstra - to deliver a national telephony-based warning system that will alert Australians in the event of a life-threatening emergency.

"Victoria is pushing ahead with a selective tender for the National Emergency Warning System, releasing tender documents today, so that we can have this critical system in place ahead of the next bushfire season," Mr Brumby said.

"Our Government is committed to taking necessary actions to protect Victorians for the upcoming bushfire season. I am grateful to the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, and my fellow Premiers and Chief Ministers for agreeing to fast-track the roll-out of this technology that has the potential to save lives."