Rachel Siewert (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

At the request of Senator McKim, I move:

That the following matter be referred to the Environment and Communications References Committee for inquiry and report by 30 May 2016:

The response to, and lessons learnt from, recent fires in remote Tasmanian wilderness affecting the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, with particular reference to:

(a) the impact of global warming on fire frequency and magnitude;

(b) the availability and provisions of financial, human and mechanical resources;

(c) the adequacy of fire assessment and modelling capacity;

(d) Australia’s obligations as State Party to the World Heritage Convention;

(e) world best practice in remote area fire management; and

(f) any related matter.

Scott Ryan (Victoria, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Scott Ryan (Victoria, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Tasmanian government is best placed to investigate the management response and on-ground work necessary following the fires. The Tasmanian Premier has already announced that the Tasmania Fire Service has initiated an independent inquiry conducted by the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council. The coalition applauds the tireless work of nearly 7,000 personnel and up to 40 aircraft and pilots involved in firefighting efforts. We also commend the efforts of Emergency Management Australia for their responsiveness on behalf of the Commonwealth. The coalition wholeheartedly supports the priority effort to protect lives and property in Tasmania and notes that Tasmania continues to identify areas of high ecological value and cultural significance for protection. The Australian government is also providing $14.8 million annually to increase national aerial firefighting capability.

Question agreed to.