Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries) Share this | Hansard source

The government has noted the recommendation relating to the aerial firefighting from the royal commission's final report. Firefighting is the responsibility of state and territory governments. The appropriate aerial firefighting fleet for each jurisdiction is decided by operational experts, not by federal politicians. Nevertheless the federal government will continue to support Australian industry to grow in this area. At present 128 of 158 aircraft contracted are Australian owned and operated. There is an ongoing federal government commitment of more than $25 million a year to support this capability. The government will continue to work with states and territories and rely on the expert advice of their commissioners.

Question agreed to.