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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 1 Hansard (19 February) . . Page.. 184 ..

MR STANHOPE (Chief Minister, Attorney-General, Minister for Community Affairs and Minister for the Environment) (4.18): Mr Speaker, the government does not support Mr Smyth's motion. The government takes this position for several reasons, but it would be helpful first to summarise what the government has already announced it will do to complement the coronial process which is required under the Coroners Act and the context in which it made its decision.

The tragic firestorm of 18 January is the single largest disaster ever experienced by the people of the ACT. The incident is one that must not be repeated. Accordingly, it must be responded to properly and comprehensively, and not be subject to political opportunity.

There is a clear need to be informed after a methodical independent examination of what happened, and why, and what improvements may be possible to prevent such an event from ever recurring. As I have already mentioned, a judicial process is already under way with the coroner. This process will consider the tragic deaths that occurred and the origin and cause of the fires that led to them, as Ms Tucker has just indicated. Following discussions between my department and the Coroners Court today, the Chief Magistrate and Chief Coroner is in the process of preparing a statement about the ambit and nature of the inquiry which the coroner will be undertaking in relation to the fires. Subject to that and my viewing of that and what it says, I will consider whether or not I might be able to take further action.

All persons who have important information which needs to be provided or who wish to be heard, together with their legal representatives, will be able to provide that information on oath and in an open public forum. The coroner's report will in due course provide a very detailed and lengthy explanation of the event, with conclusions and findings on all relevant issues, as required under the act.

Given this, the government has proceeded by determining what else needs to be done, particularly to complement and not duplicate the work of the coroner. It is important that we focus on that. This is a major process that the coroner is involved in. This is not some quick, cheap, fly-by-night approach to these major issues. This is a major process which will require enormous resources, will take a long time and, as Ms Tucker said, will be informed by a whole range of legal advice. At this stage it involves a task force of 10 Australian Federal Police officers investigating and collecting evidence and preparing a brief of advice or evidence for the coroner. A coronial inquest is a major undertaking. It will delve into all aspects of this fire. We are concerned to complement that work, noting the need for us to act quickly in a whole range of areas and to ensure that we are protected. But it is necessary that we do not duplicate the work. As I have said, the coroner's process will take time, but we need a quick, thorough and professional examination of the events to enable appropriate operational responses to be made before the next bushfire season.

The McLeod review, which I announced on 10 February, specifically meets the need. It is deliberately focused on a whole range of issues associated with the fire and the operational aspects of our emergency services. The leadership of Mr McLeod, the Commonwealth and ACT Ombudsman, will bring the necessary skill, independence and credibility required to ensure that all the important operational lessons which need to be learnt are learnt and are acted upon in the required time.

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