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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 1 Hansard (19 February) . . Page.. 185 ..

MR STANHOPE (continuing):

It is appropriate that we reflect on the terms of reference of the McLeod inquiry. They are not narrow terms of reference. The terms of reference for the McLeod inquiry are:

The Inquiry will examine and report on the adequacy of the response to the bushfires by the ACT Emergency Services Bureau and its components (ACT Bushfire Services, ACT Emergency Services, ACT Fire Brigade and ACT Ambulance Service) and other relevant agencies, including ACT Policing, Environment ACT and ACT Forests with particular reference to-

including but not exclusive-

i) the preparation, planning and response to the bushfires and of strategies for the evaluation and management of bushfire threat and risk;

You cannot get broader than that. It includes every aspect of the fire. The terms of reference continue:

ii) ESB's management structure, command and control arrangements, and public information strategy;

iii) the coordination and cooperative arrangements with other ACT and interstate, Commonwealth and non-government agencies, including utility providers, for managing such emergencies; and

iv) the adequacy of ESB's equipment, communications systems, training and resources.

In undertaking its work, the inquiry team will consult closely with the coroner conducting inquests into the deaths and try to avoid any duplication. The terms of reference also state:

The Inquiry is also to advise the Government on the ACT's overall structure for dealing with emergency situations, given the Territory's unique context (geographic, population, financial and administrative), including the operation of the Emergency Management Act. In providing this advice, the Inquiry should make reference to arrangements that exist in other jurisdictions for dealing with emergencies.

The Inquiry Team will report to the Chief Minister by 30 June 2003 ...

They are extremely broad terms of reference. They cover all aspects of the fire. Mr Smyth's proposed terms of reference might be in some detail, but there is almost nothing in them that is not covered by the broad, expansive terms of reference of the McLeod inquiry.

The other major initiatives the government has committed to concern land use. Ms Tucker mentioned these. Land use decisions which are taken concerning the burnt-out areas of the ACT will have a long-term impact. Such decisions should not be taken lightly or in ignorance, nor should they be subject to immediate political pressure. Decisions on these issues are also required expeditiously because the land is susceptible to weed growth and erosion. Additionally, ACT Forests has a range of planting materials about which it needs to make decisions.

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