Premier Daniel Andrews has refused to commit to the steepest emission cuts recommended by his government's independent advice panel, saying it is not appropriate to make such an announcement while the state was in the grip of a bushfire crisis.

While the Premier said he accepted the grave risks posed by climate change, he controversially commented that people making "ideological points" about the need for tough new climate targets should ensure they do not distract from the emergency relief effort.

Premier Daniel Andrews is briefed by emergency services personnel. Credit:Chris Hopkins

Former federal MP Greg Combet, who is the state government’s independent adviser on proposed new emissions cuts, has recommended up to 40 per cent reductions on 2005 levels by 2025 and 60 per cent reductions by 2030.

Mr Combet said the scale of the bushfire crisis was undeniably linked to the warmer and drier conditions caused by climate change, making even more pressing the need for tough targets.