Opposition questions the Environment Minister regarding the honesty of the Department of Environment and Conservation's submissions to the Keelty inquiry, specifically concerning communication with FESA during fires. The Minister avoids a direct answer, stating confidence in the department's cooperation and collaborative efforts.

AnsweredQoN 554Legislative Assembly
Asked
6 September 2011
Portfolio
Environment

QuestionView source ↗

KEELTY REPORT — DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION SUBMISSIONS
I note that the Keelty report states — DEC being advised of fires a considerable time after they have first been reported to FESA and/or being advised by FESA COMCEN that assistance is not required. However, FESA’s response to the Keelty report states — The recordings reveal that within four (4) minutes of both the initial receipt of the Red Hill and Roleystone fire reports, DEC was notified. I ask the minister one very direct question: is he satisfied that his agency was honest in its submissions to the Keelty inquiry? Mr W.R. MARMION

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question. I am very comfortable that the Department of Environment and Conservation fully cooperated with both the Keelty and Ellis reviews of the fire. DEC has been working collaboratively with the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, the Fire and Emergency Services Authority and other agencies in implementing the Keelty recommendations. I expect DEC to continue to work collaboratively with FESA. I have met with my senior operational staff in DEC to make sure that they will continue to work collaboratively with FESA.
Mr W.R. MARMION replied: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question. I am very comfortable that the Department of Environment and Conservation fully cooperated with both the Keelty and Ellis reviews of the fire. DEC has been working collaboratively with the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, the Fire and Emergency Services Authority and other agencies in implementing the Keelty recommendations. I expect DEC to continue to work collaboratively with FESA. I have met with my senior operational staff in DEC to make sure that they will continue to work collaboratively with FESA.
I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question. I am very comfortable that the Department of Environment and Conservation fully cooperated with both the Keelty and Ellis reviews of the fire. DEC has been working collaboratively with the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, the Fire and Emergency Services Authority and other agencies in implementing the Keelty recommendations. I expect DEC to continue to work collaboratively with FESA. I have met with my senior operational staff in DEC to make sure that they will continue to work collaboratively with FESA.

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