❓ A WA parliamentary question seeks details on the AFAC inquiry into the Wooroloo bushfire, including engagement terms, costs of past inquiries, powers, and interstate staff arrangements. The answer clarifies the engagement process, refers cost questions to another minister, and confirms remote operation due to COVID-19.
AnsweredQoN 282Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
(1) I refer to the Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Council (AFAC) inquiry into the Wooroloo Bushfire and question without notice 584, asked on 31 August 2021, and I ask: (a) will the Minister please table the letters and contract of engagement with AFAC to conduct the inquiry into the Wooroloo Bushfire.; and (b) will the Minister please table any advice received by the Minister in relation to the establishment of an independent inquiry? (2) What was the cost of each of the following special inquiries under the Public Sector Management Act 1994 : (a) Perth Hills Bushfire inquiry 2011; (b) Margaret River Bushfire special inquiry 2011; and (c) Waroona Bushfire special inquiry 2016? (3) What powers will the AFAC inquiry possess to compel information or evidence from witnesses? (4) Will AFAC deploy any staff from interstate to Western Australia for the purposes of conducting this inquiry? (5) If yes to (4), will any of these staff be required to travel to Western Australia from New South Wales, Victoria or the Australian Capital Territory? (6) If yes to (5), and noting Western Australia's controlled border arrangements, what arrangements have been made to permit entry for these staff into Western Australia and what requirements will be placed on these staff in respect to quarantine arrangements, COVID-19 testing, and vaccination status.?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
12 October 2021
Responded by
Leader of the House representing the Minister for Emergency Services
Response time
8 days
(1) (a) – (b) The Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Council (AFAC) has been engaged by the State Government to undertake an Independent Review of the 2021 Wooroloo Bushfire. The terms of the engagement were established under the AFAC Procedural Guideline for Conducting AFAC Independent Operational Reviews. There is no formal letter of engagement nor contract of engagement. (2) (a) – (c) This is a matter for the Minister for Public Sector Management, please refer this question to the Minister for Public Sector Management. (3) The State Government’s primary focus is seeing what lessons can be learnt from this bushfire and AFAC’s operational and subject matter expertise has been chosen to deliver this. The Independent Review does not have powers to compel information or evidence from witnesses. This has not hindered robust information-gathering by the Independent Review, through their briefing sessions with witnesses and stakeholders, and through the public submission process. (4) Due to COVID-19 coronavirus controlled border restrictions currently in place in Western Australia, AFAC staff are conducting their review activities remotely.
(5) Not applicable. (6) Not applicable.
(5) Not applicable. (6) Not applicable.
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