❓ Question regarding police bushfire emergency management training following the Boorabbin fire. The Minister's response is largely non-committal, promising to find out more details about specific police training.
AnsweredQoN 823Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
POLICE — BUSHFIRE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT TRAINING
I refer to evidence given to the coroner last week by Assistant Police Commissioner John McRoberts who identified a lack of understanding by district police on their roles and responsibilities contributing to the lack of coordination and communication in response to the Boorabbin National Park fire in December 2007. (1) Given this evidence points to the pressing need for more widespread training to prevent a repeat occurrence, have resources needed to undertake this emergency management training been quantified and budgeted for? (2) If so, what is the estimated cost? (3) If not, how will it be possible to implement the assistant commissioner’s recommendations service-wide before the forthcoming bushfire season? Mr R.F. JOHNSON
I refer to evidence given to the coroner last week by Assistant Police Commissioner John McRoberts who identified a lack of understanding by district police on their roles and responsibilities contributing to the lack of coordination and communication in response to the Boorabbin National Park fire in December 2007. (1) Given this evidence points to the pressing need for more widespread training to prevent a repeat occurrence, have resources needed to undertake this emergency management training been quantified and budgeted for? (2) If so, what is the estimated cost? (3) If not, how will it be possible to implement the assistant commissioner’s recommendations service-wide before the forthcoming bushfire season? Mr R.F. JOHNSON
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(3) I thank the member for the question. Obviously she has a genuine interest in this area. Over the past few years bushfires that have ended in tragedy have occurred in not only this state, but also Victoria. Everybody in emergency services has taken a great deal of notice in what has been going on in Victoria, particularly in findings and recommendations of the royal commission. This state’s agencies involved in this area include, predominantly, the Fire and Emergency Services Authority and the Department of Environment and Conservation as well as volunteer firefighters and, of course, the police. They are all responsible for taking certain action when bushfires get out of control, such as the fire that occurred in Boorabbin, resulting in tragic consequences. The member would be aware that recently a bill amending the Bush Fires Act passed through this house. Those amendments will play a significant role in potential bushfires. I advise members that from the information the government has been given, Western Australia, particularly in the south west, is extremely prone to serious bushfires this season. That is the prediction from the Bureau of Meteorology. Because of the wet winter, grass has grown to enormous height and in summer it will dry out and become an extreme fire hazard. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is important, but would you answer the question? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am very happy to, but I thought the house and the member for Girrawheen would be interested to know what is being done about putting contingencies in place to cope with bushfires. I know what the question is and I am trying to answer it by giving an overview of what the government is doing. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member for Midland is in the house today! It is good to see her again. The member for Girrawheen is interested in the answer; therefore, I will advise what strategic plans and training have been put in place. I can assure the member that FESA has been working very hard to implement strategies and training. Strategies and policies on how to deal with this issue are important. The police have a major role to play. I am not quite sure how much training they have put into this area at this stage. To some extent the police, like other agencies, have been waiting for the outcome of the coronial inquiry before they fully implement extra training that is needed. The main firefighters are from FESA and DEC and volunteers, of which there are 30 000 throughout the state. The police are called in to undertake certain roles. A single agency will take control of a serious bushfire, and, of course, that will be FESA. There has been some doubt over the past few years, even when the opposition was in government, about what authority should take control of a serious bushfire. There is no doubt now. In the event of a serious bushfire, FESA will assume control. It will play the major role in trying to ensure that we do not have another tragedy like that which occurred at Boorabbin. The police will play their role. I will certainly find out what specific extra training they will need. I know what Assistant Commissioner McRoberts said in his input into the coronial inquiry. I am not sure what specific training he has put in place. There is a limit to what the police can do. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You do not know the answer. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I love this member; she smiles at me when she delivers the knife. I will conclude now, member for Girrawheen. Mr E.S. Ripper : A short summary is: I don’t know. You could have said that. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have told members everything. The area in which I said I will find out more detail is whether any specific training has been put in place for police for them to cope with situations like the Boorabbin tragedy. I advise members that they train all the time for emergencies. The member for Midland would know that, because she is a former minister. The former police minister would know that. All members opposite should know that, because they were in government for seven and a half years. There will always be ongoing training for emergency situations. I hope I have answered the member’s question comprehensively, but if she needs any more information I would be very happy to provide that information at a later stage.
(1) Given this evidence points to the pressing need for more widespread training to prevent a repeat occurrence, have resources needed to undertake this emergency management training been quantified and budgeted for? (2) If so, what is the estimated cost? (3) If not, how will it be possible to implement the assistant commissioner’s recommendations service-wide before the forthcoming bushfire season? Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: (1)-(3) I thank the member for the question. Obviously she has a genuine interest in this area. Over the past few years bushfires that have ended in tragedy have occurred in not only this state, but also Victoria. Everybody in emergency services has taken a great deal of notice in what has been going on in Victoria, particularly in findings and recommendations of the royal commission. This state’s agencies involved in this area include, predominantly, the Fire and Emergency Services Authority and the Department of Environment and Conservation as well as volunteer firefighters and, of course, the police. They are all responsible for taking certain action when bushfires get out of control, such as the fire that occurred in Boorabbin, resulting in tragic consequences. The member would be aware that recently a bill amending the Bush Fires Act passed through this house. Those amendments will play a significant role in potential bushfires. I advise members that from the information the government has been given, Western Australia, particularly in the south west, is extremely prone to serious bushfires this season. That is the prediction from the Bureau of Meteorology. Because of the wet winter, grass has grown to enormous height and in summer it will dry out and become an extreme fire hazard. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is important, but would you answer the question? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am very happy to, but I thought the house and the member for Girrawheen would be interested to know what is being done about putting contingencies in place to cope with bushfires. I know what the question is and I am trying to answer it by giving an overview of what the government is doing. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member for Midland is in the house today! It is good to see her again. The member for Girrawheen is interested in the answer; therefore, I will advise what strategic plans and training have been put in place. I can assure the member that FESA has been working very hard to implement strategies and training. Strategies and policies on how to deal with this issue are important. The police have a major role to play. I am not quite sure how much training they have put into this area at this stage. To some extent the police, like other agencies, have been waiting for the outcome of the coronial inquiry before they fully implement extra training that is needed. The main firefighters are from FESA and DEC and volunteers, of which there are 30 000 throughout the state. The police are called in to undertake certain roles. A single agency will take control of a serious bushfire, and, of course, that will be FESA. There has been some doubt over the past few years, even when the opposition was in government, about what authority should take control of a serious bushfire. There is no doubt now. In the event of a serious bushfire, FESA will assume control. It will play the major role in trying to ensure that we do not have another tragedy like that which occurred at Boorabbin. The police will play their role. I will certainly find out what specific extra training they will need. I know what Assistant Commissioner McRoberts said in his input into the coronial inquiry. I am not sure what specific training he has put in place. There is a limit to what the police can do. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You do not know the answer. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I love this member; she smiles at me when she delivers the knife. I will conclude now, member for Girrawheen. Mr E.S. Ripper : A short summary is: I don’t know. You could have said that. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have told members everything. The area in which I said I will find out more detail is whether any specific training has been put in place for police for them to cope with situations like the Boorabbin tragedy. I advise members that they train all the time for emergencies. The member for Midland would know that, because she is a former minister. The former police minister would know that. All members opposite should know that, because they were in government for seven and a half years. There will always be ongoing training for emergency situations. I hope I have answered the member’s question comprehensively, but if she needs any more information I would be very happy to provide that information at a later stage.
(2) If so, what is the estimated cost? (3) If not, how will it be possible to implement the assistant commissioner’s recommendations service-wide before the forthcoming bushfire season? Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: (1)-(3) I thank the member for the question. Obviously she has a genuine interest in this area. Over the past few years bushfires that have ended in tragedy have occurred in not only this state, but also Victoria. Everybody in emergency services has taken a great deal of notice in what has been going on in Victoria, particularly in findings and recommendations of the royal commission. This state’s agencies involved in this area include, predominantly, the Fire and Emergency Services Authority and the Department of Environment and Conservation as well as volunteer firefighters and, of course, the police. They are all responsible for taking certain action when bushfires get out of control, such as the fire that occurred in Boorabbin, resulting in tragic consequences. The member would be aware that recently a bill amending the Bush Fires Act passed through this house. Those amendments will play a significant role in potential bushfires. I advise members that from the information the government has been given, Western Australia, particularly in the south west, is extremely prone to serious bushfires this season. That is the prediction from the Bureau of Meteorology. Because of the wet winter, grass has grown to enormous height and in summer it will dry out and become an extreme fire hazard. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is important, but would you answer the question? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am very happy to, but I thought the house and the member for Girrawheen would be interested to know what is being done about putting contingencies in place to cope with bushfires. I know what the question is and I am trying to answer it by giving an overview of what the government is doing. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member for Midland is in the house today! It is good to see her again. The member for Girrawheen is interested in the answer; therefore, I will advise what strategic plans and training have been put in place. I can assure the member that FESA has been working very hard to implement strategies and training. Strategies and policies on how to deal with this issue are important. The police have a major role to play. I am not quite sure how much training they have put into this area at this stage. To some extent the police, like other agencies, have been waiting for the outcome of the coronial inquiry before they fully implement extra training that is needed. The main firefighters are from FESA and DEC and volunteers, of which there are 30 000 throughout the state. The police are called in to undertake certain roles. A single agency will take control of a serious bushfire, and, of course, that will be FESA. There has been some doubt over the past few years, even when the opposition was in government, about what authority should take control of a serious bushfire. There is no doubt now. In the event of a serious bushfire, FESA will assume control. It will play the major role in trying to ensure that we do not have another tragedy like that which occurred at Boorabbin. The police will play their role. I will certainly find out what specific extra training they will need. I know what Assistant Commissioner McRoberts said in his input into the coronial inquiry. I am not sure what specific training he has put in place. There is a limit to what the police can do. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You do not know the answer. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I love this member; she smiles at me when she delivers the knife. I will conclude now, member for Girrawheen. Mr E.S. Ripper : A short summary is: I don’t know. You could have said that. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have told members everything. The area in which I said I will find out more detail is whether any specific training has been put in place for police for them to cope with situations like the Boorabbin tragedy. I advise members that they train all the time for emergencies. The member for Midland would know that, because she is a former minister. The former police minister would know that. All members opposite should know that, because they were in government for seven and a half years. There will always be ongoing training for emergency situations. I hope I have answered the member’s question comprehensively, but if she needs any more information I would be very happy to provide that information at a later stage.
(3) If not, how will it be possible to implement the assistant commissioner’s recommendations service-wide before the forthcoming bushfire season? Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: (1)-(3) I thank the member for the question. Obviously she has a genuine interest in this area. Over the past few years bushfires that have ended in tragedy have occurred in not only this state, but also Victoria. Everybody in emergency services has taken a great deal of notice in what has been going on in Victoria, particularly in findings and recommendations of the royal commission. This state’s agencies involved in this area include, predominantly, the Fire and Emergency Services Authority and the Department of Environment and Conservation as well as volunteer firefighters and, of course, the police. They are all responsible for taking certain action when bushfires get out of control, such as the fire that occurred in Boorabbin, resulting in tragic consequences. The member would be aware that recently a bill amending the Bush Fires Act passed through this house. Those amendments will play a significant role in potential bushfires. I advise members that from the information the government has been given, Western Australia, particularly in the south west, is extremely prone to serious bushfires this season. That is the prediction from the Bureau of Meteorology. Because of the wet winter, grass has grown to enormous height and in summer it will dry out and become an extreme fire hazard. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is important, but would you answer the question? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am very happy to, but I thought the house and the member for Girrawheen would be interested to know what is being done about putting contingencies in place to cope with bushfires. I know what the question is and I am trying to answer it by giving an overview of what the government is doing. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member for Midland is in the house today! It is good to see her again. The member for Girrawheen is interested in the answer; therefore, I will advise what strategic plans and training have been put in place. I can assure the member that FESA has been working very hard to implement strategies and training. Strategies and policies on how to deal with this issue are important. The police have a major role to play. I am not quite sure how much training they have put into this area at this stage. To some extent the police, like other agencies, have been waiting for the outcome of the coronial inquiry before they fully implement extra training that is needed. The main firefighters are from FESA and DEC and volunteers, of which there are 30 000 throughout the state. The police are called in to undertake certain roles. A single agency will take control of a serious bushfire, and, of course, that will be FESA. There has been some doubt over the past few years, even when the opposition was in government, about what authority should take control of a serious bushfire. There is no doubt now. In the event of a serious bushfire, FESA will assume control. It will play the major role in trying to ensure that we do not have another tragedy like that which occurred at Boorabbin. The police will play their role. I will certainly find out what specific extra training they will need. I know what Assistant Commissioner McRoberts said in his input into the coronial inquiry. I am not sure what specific training he has put in place. There is a limit to what the police can do. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You do not know the answer. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I love this member; she smiles at me when she delivers the knife. I will conclude now, member for Girrawheen. Mr E.S. Ripper : A short summary is: I don’t know. You could have said that. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have told members everything. The area in which I said I will find out more detail is whether any specific training has been put in place for police for them to cope with situations like the Boorabbin tragedy. I advise members that they train all the time for emergencies. The member for Midland would know that, because she is a former minister. The former police minister would know that. All members opposite should know that, because they were in government for seven and a half years. There will always be ongoing training for emergency situations. I hope I have answered the member’s question comprehensively, but if she needs any more information I would be very happy to provide that information at a later stage.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: (1)-(3) I thank the member for the question. Obviously she has a genuine interest in this area. Over the past few years bushfires that have ended in tragedy have occurred in not only this state, but also Victoria. Everybody in emergency services has taken a great deal of notice in what has been going on in Victoria, particularly in findings and recommendations of the royal commission. This state’s agencies involved in this area include, predominantly, the Fire and Emergency Services Authority and the Department of Environment and Conservation as well as volunteer firefighters and, of course, the police. They are all responsible for taking certain action when bushfires get out of control, such as the fire that occurred in Boorabbin, resulting in tragic consequences. The member would be aware that recently a bill amending the Bush Fires Act passed through this house. Those amendments will play a significant role in potential bushfires. I advise members that from the information the government has been given, Western Australia, particularly in the south west, is extremely prone to serious bushfires this season. That is the prediction from the Bureau of Meteorology. Because of the wet winter, grass has grown to enormous height and in summer it will dry out and become an extreme fire hazard. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is important, but would you answer the question? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am very happy to, but I thought the house and the member for Girrawheen would be interested to know what is being done about putting contingencies in place to cope with bushfires. I know what the question is and I am trying to answer it by giving an overview of what the government is doing. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member for Midland is in the house today! It is good to see her again. The member for Girrawheen is interested in the answer; therefore, I will advise what strategic plans and training have been put in place. I can assure the member that FESA has been working very hard to implement strategies and training. Strategies and policies on how to deal with this issue are important. The police have a major role to play. I am not quite sure how much training they have put into this area at this stage. To some extent the police, like other agencies, have been waiting for the outcome of the coronial inquiry before they fully implement extra training that is needed. The main firefighters are from FESA and DEC and volunteers, of which there are 30 000 throughout the state. The police are called in to undertake certain roles. A single agency will take control of a serious bushfire, and, of course, that will be FESA. There has been some doubt over the past few years, even when the opposition was in government, about what authority should take control of a serious bushfire. There is no doubt now. In the event of a serious bushfire, FESA will assume control. It will play the major role in trying to ensure that we do not have another tragedy like that which occurred at Boorabbin. The police will play their role. I will certainly find out what specific extra training they will need. I know what Assistant Commissioner McRoberts said in his input into the coronial inquiry. I am not sure what specific training he has put in place. There is a limit to what the police can do. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You do not know the answer. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I love this member; she smiles at me when she delivers the knife. I will conclude now, member for Girrawheen. Mr E.S. Ripper : A short summary is: I don’t know. You could have said that. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have told members everything. The area in which I said I will find out more detail is whether any specific training has been put in place for police for them to cope with situations like the Boorabbin tragedy. I advise members that they train all the time for emergencies. The member for Midland would know that, because she is a former minister. The former police minister would know that. All members opposite should know that, because they were in government for seven and a half years. There will always be ongoing training for emergency situations. I hope I have answered the member’s question comprehensively, but if she needs any more information I would be very happy to provide that information at a later stage.
(1)-(3) I thank the member for the question. Obviously she has a genuine interest in this area. Over the past few years bushfires that have ended in tragedy have occurred in not only this state, but also Victoria. Everybody in emergency services has taken a great deal of notice in what has been going on in Victoria, particularly in findings and recommendations of the royal commission. This state’s agencies involved in this area include, predominantly, the Fire and Emergency Services Authority and the Department of Environment and Conservation as well as volunteer firefighters and, of course, the police. They are all responsible for taking certain action when bushfires get out of control, such as the fire that occurred in Boorabbin, resulting in tragic consequences. The member would be aware that recently a bill amending the Bush Fires Act passed through this house. Those amendments will play a significant role in potential bushfires. I advise members that from the information the government has been given, Western Australia, particularly in the south west, is extremely prone to serious bushfires this season. That is the prediction from the Bureau of Meteorology. Because of the wet winter, grass has grown to enormous height and in summer it will dry out and become an extreme fire hazard. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is important, but would you answer the question? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am very happy to, but I thought the house and the member for Girrawheen would be interested to know what is being done about putting contingencies in place to cope with bushfires. I know what the question is and I am trying to answer it by giving an overview of what the government is doing. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member for Midland is in the house today! It is good to see her again. The member for Girrawheen is interested in the answer; therefore, I will advise what strategic plans and training have been put in place. I can assure the member that FESA has been working very hard to implement strategies and training. Strategies and policies on how to deal with this issue are important. The police have a major role to play. I am not quite sure how much training they have put into this area at this stage. To some extent the police, like other agencies, have been waiting for the outcome of the coronial inquiry before they fully implement extra training that is needed. The main firefighters are from FESA and DEC and volunteers, of which there are 30 000 throughout the state. The police are called in to undertake certain roles. A single agency will take control of a serious bushfire, and, of course, that will be FESA. There has been some doubt over the past few years, even when the opposition was in government, about what authority should take control of a serious bushfire. There is no doubt now. In the event of a serious bushfire, FESA will assume control. It will play the major role in trying to ensure that we do not have another tragedy like that which occurred at Boorabbin. The police will play their role. I will certainly find out what specific extra training they will need. I know what Assistant Commissioner McRoberts said in his input into the coronial inquiry. I am not sure what specific training he has put in place. There is a limit to what the police can do. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You do not know the answer. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I love this member; she smiles at me when she delivers the knife. I will conclude now, member for Girrawheen. Mr E.S. Ripper : A short summary is: I don’t know. You could have said that. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have told members everything. The area in which I said I will find out more detail is whether any specific training has been put in place for police for them to cope with situations like the Boorabbin tragedy. I advise members that they train all the time for emergencies. The member for Midland would know that, because she is a former minister. The former police minister would know that. All members opposite should know that, because they were in government for seven and a half years. There will always be ongoing training for emergency situations. I hope I have answered the member’s question comprehensively, but if she needs any more information I would be very happy to provide that information at a later stage.
I advise members that from the information the government has been given, Western Australia, particularly in the south west, is extremely prone to serious bushfires this season. That is the prediction from the Bureau of Meteorology. Because of the wet winter, grass has grown to enormous height and in summer it will dry out and become an extreme fire hazard.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am very happy to, but I thought the house and the member for Girrawheen would be interested to know what is being done about putting contingencies in place to cope with bushfires. I know what the question is and I am trying to answer it by giving an overview of what the government is doing. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member for Midland is in the house today! It is good to see her again. The member for Girrawheen is interested in the answer; therefore, I will advise what strategic plans and training have been put in place. I can assure the member that FESA has been working very hard to implement strategies and training. Strategies and policies on how to deal with this issue are important. The police have a major role to play. I am not quite sure how much training they have put into this area at this stage. To some extent the police, like other agencies, have been waiting for the outcome of the coronial inquiry before they fully implement extra training that is needed. The main firefighters are from FESA and DEC and volunteers, of which there are 30 000 throughout the state. The police are called in to undertake certain roles. A single agency will take control of a serious bushfire, and, of course, that will be FESA. There has been some doubt over the past few years, even when the opposition was in government, about what authority should take control of a serious bushfire. There is no doubt now. In the event of a serious bushfire, FESA will assume control. It will play the major role in trying to ensure that we do not have another tragedy like that which occurred at Boorabbin. The police will play their role. I will certainly find out what specific extra training they will need. I know what Assistant Commissioner McRoberts said in his input into the coronial inquiry. I am not sure what specific training he has put in place. There is a limit to what the police can do. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You do not know the answer. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I love this member; she smiles at me when she delivers the knife. I will conclude now, member for Girrawheen. Mr E.S. Ripper : A short summary is: I don’t know. You could have said that. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have told members everything. The area in which I said I will find out more detail is whether any specific training has been put in place for police for them to cope with situations like the Boorabbin tragedy. I advise members that they train all the time for emergencies. The member for Midland would know that, because she is a former minister. The former police minister would know that. All members opposite should know that, because they were in government for seven and a half years. There will always be ongoing training for emergency situations. I hope I have answered the member’s question comprehensively, but if she needs any more information I would be very happy to provide that information at a later stage.
Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member for Midland is in the house today! It is good to see her again. The member for Girrawheen is interested in the answer; therefore, I will advise what strategic plans and training have been put in place. I can assure the member that FESA has been working very hard to implement strategies and training. Strategies and policies on how to deal with this issue are important. The police have a major role to play. I am not quite sure how much training they have put into this area at this stage. To some extent the police, like other agencies, have been waiting for the outcome of the coronial inquiry before they fully implement extra training that is needed. The main firefighters are from FESA and DEC and volunteers, of which there are 30 000 throughout the state. The police are called in to undertake certain roles. A single agency will take control of a serious bushfire, and, of course, that will be FESA. There has been some doubt over the past few years, even when the opposition was in government, about what authority should take control of a serious bushfire. There is no doubt now. In the event of a serious bushfire, FESA will assume control. It will play the major role in trying to ensure that we do not have another tragedy like that which occurred at Boorabbin. The police will play their role. I will certainly find out what specific extra training they will need. I know what Assistant Commissioner McRoberts said in his input into the coronial inquiry. I am not sure what specific training he has put in place. There is a limit to what the police can do. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You do not know the answer. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I love this member; she smiles at me when she delivers the knife. I will conclude now, member for Girrawheen. Mr E.S. Ripper : A short summary is: I don’t know. You could have said that. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have told members everything. The area in which I said I will find out more detail is whether any specific training has been put in place for police for them to cope with situations like the Boorabbin tragedy. I advise members that they train all the time for emergencies. The member for Midland would know that, because she is a former minister. The former police minister would know that. All members opposite should know that, because they were in government for seven and a half years. There will always be ongoing training for emergency situations. I hope I have answered the member’s question comprehensively, but if she needs any more information I would be very happy to provide that information at a later stage.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member for Midland is in the house today! It is good to see her again. The member for Girrawheen is interested in the answer; therefore, I will advise what strategic plans and training have been put in place. I can assure the member that FESA has been working very hard to implement strategies and training. Strategies and policies on how to deal with this issue are important. The police have a major role to play. I am not quite sure how much training they have put into this area at this stage. To some extent the police, like other agencies, have been waiting for the outcome of the coronial inquiry before they fully implement extra training that is needed. The main firefighters are from FESA and DEC and volunteers, of which there are 30 000 throughout the state. The police are called in to undertake certain roles. A single agency will take control of a serious bushfire, and, of course, that will be FESA. There has been some doubt over the past few years, even when the opposition was in government, about what authority should take control of a serious bushfire. There is no doubt now. In the event of a serious bushfire, FESA will assume control. It will play the major role in trying to ensure that we do not have another tragedy like that which occurred at Boorabbin. The police will play their role. I will certainly find out what specific extra training they will need. I know what Assistant Commissioner McRoberts said in his input into the coronial inquiry. I am not sure what specific training he has put in place. There is a limit to what the police can do. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You do not know the answer. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I love this member; she smiles at me when she delivers the knife. I will conclude now, member for Girrawheen. Mr E.S. Ripper : A short summary is: I don’t know. You could have said that. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have told members everything. The area in which I said I will find out more detail is whether any specific training has been put in place for police for them to cope with situations like the Boorabbin tragedy. I advise members that they train all the time for emergencies. The member for Midland would know that, because she is a former minister. The former police minister would know that. All members opposite should know that, because they were in government for seven and a half years. There will always be ongoing training for emergency situations. I hope I have answered the member’s question comprehensively, but if she needs any more information I would be very happy to provide that information at a later stage.
The member for Girrawheen is interested in the answer; therefore, I will advise what strategic plans and training have been put in place. I can assure the member that FESA has been working very hard to implement strategies and training. Strategies and policies on how to deal with this issue are important. The police have a major role to play. I am not quite sure how much training they have put into this area at this stage. To some extent the police, like other agencies, have been waiting for the outcome of the coronial inquiry before they fully implement extra training that is needed. The main firefighters are from FESA and DEC and volunteers, of which there are 30 000 throughout the state. The police are called in to undertake certain roles. A single agency will take control of a serious bushfire, and, of course, that will be FESA. There has been some doubt over the past few years, even when the opposition was in government, about what authority should take control of a serious bushfire. There is no doubt now. In the event of a serious bushfire, FESA will assume control. It will play the major role in trying to ensure that we do not have another tragedy like that which occurred at Boorabbin. The police will play their role. I will certainly find out what specific extra training they will need. I know what Assistant Commissioner McRoberts said in his input into the coronial inquiry. I am not sure what specific training he has put in place. There is a limit to what the police can do. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You do not know the answer. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I love this member; she smiles at me when she delivers the knife. I will conclude now, member for Girrawheen. Mr E.S. Ripper : A short summary is: I don’t know. You could have said that. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have told members everything. The area in which I said I will find out more detail is whether any specific training has been put in place for police for them to cope with situations like the Boorabbin tragedy. I advise members that they train all the time for emergencies. The member for Midland would know that, because she is a former minister. The former police minister would know that. All members opposite should know that, because they were in government for seven and a half years. There will always be ongoing training for emergency situations. I hope I have answered the member’s question comprehensively, but if she needs any more information I would be very happy to provide that information at a later stage.
The police have a major role to play. I am not quite sure how much training they have put into this area at this stage. To some extent the police, like other agencies, have been waiting for the outcome of the coronial inquiry before they fully implement extra training that is needed. The main firefighters are from FESA and DEC and volunteers, of which there are 30 000 throughout the state. The police are called in to undertake certain roles. A single agency will take control of a serious bushfire, and, of course, that will be FESA. There has been some doubt over the past few years, even when the opposition was in government, about what authority should take control of a serious bushfire. There is no doubt now. In the event of a serious bushfire, FESA will assume control. It will play the major role in trying to ensure that we do not have another tragedy like that which occurred at Boorabbin. The police will play their role. I will certainly find out what specific extra training they will need. I know what Assistant Commissioner McRoberts said in his input into the coronial inquiry. I am not sure what specific training he has put in place. There is a limit to what the police can do. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You do not know the answer. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I love this member; she smiles at me when she delivers the knife. I will conclude now, member for Girrawheen. Mr E.S. Ripper : A short summary is: I don’t know. You could have said that. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have told members everything. The area in which I said I will find out more detail is whether any specific training has been put in place for police for them to cope with situations like the Boorabbin tragedy. I advise members that they train all the time for emergencies. The member for Midland would know that, because she is a former minister. The former police minister would know that. All members opposite should know that, because they were in government for seven and a half years. There will always be ongoing training for emergency situations. I hope I have answered the member’s question comprehensively, but if she needs any more information I would be very happy to provide that information at a later stage.
Mrs M.H. Roberts : You do not know the answer. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I love this member; she smiles at me when she delivers the knife. I will conclude now, member for Girrawheen. Mr E.S. Ripper : A short summary is: I don’t know. You could have said that. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have told members everything. The area in which I said I will find out more detail is whether any specific training has been put in place for police for them to cope with situations like the Boorabbin tragedy. I advise members that they train all the time for emergencies. The member for Midland would know that, because she is a former minister. The former police minister would know that. All members opposite should know that, because they were in government for seven and a half years. There will always be ongoing training for emergency situations. I hope I have answered the member’s question comprehensively, but if she needs any more information I would be very happy to provide that information at a later stage.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I love this member; she smiles at me when she delivers the knife. I will conclude now, member for Girrawheen. Mr E.S. Ripper : A short summary is: I don’t know. You could have said that. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have told members everything. The area in which I said I will find out more detail is whether any specific training has been put in place for police for them to cope with situations like the Boorabbin tragedy. I advise members that they train all the time for emergencies. The member for Midland would know that, because she is a former minister. The former police minister would know that. All members opposite should know that, because they were in government for seven and a half years. There will always be ongoing training for emergency situations. I hope I have answered the member’s question comprehensively, but if she needs any more information I would be very happy to provide that information at a later stage.
I will conclude now, member for Girrawheen. Mr E.S. Ripper : A short summary is: I don’t know. You could have said that. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have told members everything. The area in which I said I will find out more detail is whether any specific training has been put in place for police for them to cope with situations like the Boorabbin tragedy. I advise members that they train all the time for emergencies. The member for Midland would know that, because she is a former minister. The former police minister would know that. All members opposite should know that, because they were in government for seven and a half years. There will always be ongoing training for emergency situations. I hope I have answered the member’s question comprehensively, but if she needs any more information I would be very happy to provide that information at a later stage.
Mr E.S. Ripper : A short summary is: I don’t know. You could have said that. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have told members everything. The area in which I said I will find out more detail is whether any specific training has been put in place for police for them to cope with situations like the Boorabbin tragedy. I advise members that they train all the time for emergencies. The member for Midland would know that, because she is a former minister. The former police minister would know that. All members opposite should know that, because they were in government for seven and a half years. There will always be ongoing training for emergency situations. I hope I have answered the member’s question comprehensively, but if she needs any more information I would be very happy to provide that information at a later stage.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have told members everything. The area in which I said I will find out more detail is whether any specific training has been put in place for police for them to cope with situations like the Boorabbin tragedy. I advise members that they train all the time for emergencies. The member for Midland would know that, because she is a former minister. The former police minister would know that. All members opposite should know that, because they were in government for seven and a half years. There will always be ongoing training for emergency situations. I hope I have answered the member’s question comprehensively, but if she needs any more information I would be very happy to provide that information at a later stage.
(1) Given this evidence points to the pressing need for more widespread training to prevent a repeat occurrence, have resources needed to undertake this emergency management training been quantified and budgeted for? (2) If so, what is the estimated cost? (3) If not, how will it be possible to implement the assistant commissioner’s recommendations service-wide before the forthcoming bushfire season? Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: (1)-(3) I thank the member for the question. Obviously she has a genuine interest in this area. Over the past few years bushfires that have ended in tragedy have occurred in not only this state, but also Victoria. Everybody in emergency services has taken a great deal of notice in what has been going on in Victoria, particularly in findings and recommendations of the royal commission. This state’s agencies involved in this area include, predominantly, the Fire and Emergency Services Authority and the Department of Environment and Conservation as well as volunteer firefighters and, of course, the police. They are all responsible for taking certain action when bushfires get out of control, such as the fire that occurred in Boorabbin, resulting in tragic consequences. The member would be aware that recently a bill amending the Bush Fires Act passed through this house. Those amendments will play a significant role in potential bushfires. I advise members that from the information the government has been given, Western Australia, particularly in the south west, is extremely prone to serious bushfires this season. That is the prediction from the Bureau of Meteorology. Because of the wet winter, grass has grown to enormous height and in summer it will dry out and become an extreme fire hazard. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is important, but would you answer the question? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am very happy to, but I thought the house and the member for Girrawheen would be interested to know what is being done about putting contingencies in place to cope with bushfires. I know what the question is and I am trying to answer it by giving an overview of what the government is doing. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member for Midland is in the house today! It is good to see her again. The member for Girrawheen is interested in the answer; therefore, I will advise what strategic plans and training have been put in place. I can assure the member that FESA has been working very hard to implement strategies and training. Strategies and policies on how to deal with this issue are important. The police have a major role to play. I am not quite sure how much training they have put into this area at this stage. To some extent the police, like other agencies, have been waiting for the outcome of the coronial inquiry before they fully implement extra training that is needed. The main firefighters are from FESA and DEC and volunteers, of which there are 30 000 throughout the state. The police are called in to undertake certain roles. A single agency will take control of a serious bushfire, and, of course, that will be FESA. There has been some doubt over the past few years, even when the opposition was in government, about what authority should take control of a serious bushfire. There is no doubt now. In the event of a serious bushfire, FESA will assume control. It will play the major role in trying to ensure that we do not have another tragedy like that which occurred at Boorabbin. The police will play their role. I will certainly find out what specific extra training they will need. I know what Assistant Commissioner McRoberts said in his input into the coronial inquiry. I am not sure what specific training he has put in place. There is a limit to what the police can do. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You do not know the answer. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I love this member; she smiles at me when she delivers the knife. I will conclude now, member for Girrawheen. Mr E.S. Ripper : A short summary is: I don’t know. You could have said that. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have told members everything. The area in which I said I will find out more detail is whether any specific training has been put in place for police for them to cope with situations like the Boorabbin tragedy. I advise members that they train all the time for emergencies. The member for Midland would know that, because she is a former minister. The former police minister would know that. All members opposite should know that, because they were in government for seven and a half years. There will always be ongoing training for emergency situations. I hope I have answered the member’s question comprehensively, but if she needs any more information I would be very happy to provide that information at a later stage.
(2) If so, what is the estimated cost? (3) If not, how will it be possible to implement the assistant commissioner’s recommendations service-wide before the forthcoming bushfire season? Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: (1)-(3) I thank the member for the question. Obviously she has a genuine interest in this area. Over the past few years bushfires that have ended in tragedy have occurred in not only this state, but also Victoria. Everybody in emergency services has taken a great deal of notice in what has been going on in Victoria, particularly in findings and recommendations of the royal commission. This state’s agencies involved in this area include, predominantly, the Fire and Emergency Services Authority and the Department of Environment and Conservation as well as volunteer firefighters and, of course, the police. They are all responsible for taking certain action when bushfires get out of control, such as the fire that occurred in Boorabbin, resulting in tragic consequences. The member would be aware that recently a bill amending the Bush Fires Act passed through this house. Those amendments will play a significant role in potential bushfires. I advise members that from the information the government has been given, Western Australia, particularly in the south west, is extremely prone to serious bushfires this season. That is the prediction from the Bureau of Meteorology. Because of the wet winter, grass has grown to enormous height and in summer it will dry out and become an extreme fire hazard. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is important, but would you answer the question? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am very happy to, but I thought the house and the member for Girrawheen would be interested to know what is being done about putting contingencies in place to cope with bushfires. I know what the question is and I am trying to answer it by giving an overview of what the government is doing. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member for Midland is in the house today! It is good to see her again. The member for Girrawheen is interested in the answer; therefore, I will advise what strategic plans and training have been put in place. I can assure the member that FESA has been working very hard to implement strategies and training. Strategies and policies on how to deal with this issue are important. The police have a major role to play. I am not quite sure how much training they have put into this area at this stage. To some extent the police, like other agencies, have been waiting for the outcome of the coronial inquiry before they fully implement extra training that is needed. The main firefighters are from FESA and DEC and volunteers, of which there are 30 000 throughout the state. The police are called in to undertake certain roles. A single agency will take control of a serious bushfire, and, of course, that will be FESA. There has been some doubt over the past few years, even when the opposition was in government, about what authority should take control of a serious bushfire. There is no doubt now. In the event of a serious bushfire, FESA will assume control. It will play the major role in trying to ensure that we do not have another tragedy like that which occurred at Boorabbin. The police will play their role. I will certainly find out what specific extra training they will need. I know what Assistant Commissioner McRoberts said in his input into the coronial inquiry. I am not sure what specific training he has put in place. There is a limit to what the police can do. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You do not know the answer. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I love this member; she smiles at me when she delivers the knife. I will conclude now, member for Girrawheen. Mr E.S. Ripper : A short summary is: I don’t know. You could have said that. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have told members everything. The area in which I said I will find out more detail is whether any specific training has been put in place for police for them to cope with situations like the Boorabbin tragedy. I advise members that they train all the time for emergencies. The member for Midland would know that, because she is a former minister. The former police minister would know that. All members opposite should know that, because they were in government for seven and a half years. There will always be ongoing training for emergency situations. I hope I have answered the member’s question comprehensively, but if she needs any more information I would be very happy to provide that information at a later stage.
(3) If not, how will it be possible to implement the assistant commissioner’s recommendations service-wide before the forthcoming bushfire season? Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: (1)-(3) I thank the member for the question. Obviously she has a genuine interest in this area. Over the past few years bushfires that have ended in tragedy have occurred in not only this state, but also Victoria. Everybody in emergency services has taken a great deal of notice in what has been going on in Victoria, particularly in findings and recommendations of the royal commission. This state’s agencies involved in this area include, predominantly, the Fire and Emergency Services Authority and the Department of Environment and Conservation as well as volunteer firefighters and, of course, the police. They are all responsible for taking certain action when bushfires get out of control, such as the fire that occurred in Boorabbin, resulting in tragic consequences. The member would be aware that recently a bill amending the Bush Fires Act passed through this house. Those amendments will play a significant role in potential bushfires. I advise members that from the information the government has been given, Western Australia, particularly in the south west, is extremely prone to serious bushfires this season. That is the prediction from the Bureau of Meteorology. Because of the wet winter, grass has grown to enormous height and in summer it will dry out and become an extreme fire hazard. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is important, but would you answer the question? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am very happy to, but I thought the house and the member for Girrawheen would be interested to know what is being done about putting contingencies in place to cope with bushfires. I know what the question is and I am trying to answer it by giving an overview of what the government is doing. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member for Midland is in the house today! It is good to see her again. The member for Girrawheen is interested in the answer; therefore, I will advise what strategic plans and training have been put in place. I can assure the member that FESA has been working very hard to implement strategies and training. Strategies and policies on how to deal with this issue are important. The police have a major role to play. I am not quite sure how much training they have put into this area at this stage. To some extent the police, like other agencies, have been waiting for the outcome of the coronial inquiry before they fully implement extra training that is needed. The main firefighters are from FESA and DEC and volunteers, of which there are 30 000 throughout the state. The police are called in to undertake certain roles. A single agency will take control of a serious bushfire, and, of course, that will be FESA. There has been some doubt over the past few years, even when the opposition was in government, about what authority should take control of a serious bushfire. There is no doubt now. In the event of a serious bushfire, FESA will assume control. It will play the major role in trying to ensure that we do not have another tragedy like that which occurred at Boorabbin. The police will play their role. I will certainly find out what specific extra training they will need. I know what Assistant Commissioner McRoberts said in his input into the coronial inquiry. I am not sure what specific training he has put in place. There is a limit to what the police can do. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You do not know the answer. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I love this member; she smiles at me when she delivers the knife. I will conclude now, member for Girrawheen. Mr E.S. Ripper : A short summary is: I don’t know. You could have said that. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have told members everything. The area in which I said I will find out more detail is whether any specific training has been put in place for police for them to cope with situations like the Boorabbin tragedy. I advise members that they train all the time for emergencies. The member for Midland would know that, because she is a former minister. The former police minister would know that. All members opposite should know that, because they were in government for seven and a half years. There will always be ongoing training for emergency situations. I hope I have answered the member’s question comprehensively, but if she needs any more information I would be very happy to provide that information at a later stage.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: (1)-(3) I thank the member for the question. Obviously she has a genuine interest in this area. Over the past few years bushfires that have ended in tragedy have occurred in not only this state, but also Victoria. Everybody in emergency services has taken a great deal of notice in what has been going on in Victoria, particularly in findings and recommendations of the royal commission. This state’s agencies involved in this area include, predominantly, the Fire and Emergency Services Authority and the Department of Environment and Conservation as well as volunteer firefighters and, of course, the police. They are all responsible for taking certain action when bushfires get out of control, such as the fire that occurred in Boorabbin, resulting in tragic consequences. The member would be aware that recently a bill amending the Bush Fires Act passed through this house. Those amendments will play a significant role in potential bushfires. I advise members that from the information the government has been given, Western Australia, particularly in the south west, is extremely prone to serious bushfires this season. That is the prediction from the Bureau of Meteorology. Because of the wet winter, grass has grown to enormous height and in summer it will dry out and become an extreme fire hazard. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is important, but would you answer the question? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am very happy to, but I thought the house and the member for Girrawheen would be interested to know what is being done about putting contingencies in place to cope with bushfires. I know what the question is and I am trying to answer it by giving an overview of what the government is doing. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member for Midland is in the house today! It is good to see her again. The member for Girrawheen is interested in the answer; therefore, I will advise what strategic plans and training have been put in place. I can assure the member that FESA has been working very hard to implement strategies and training. Strategies and policies on how to deal with this issue are important. The police have a major role to play. I am not quite sure how much training they have put into this area at this stage. To some extent the police, like other agencies, have been waiting for the outcome of the coronial inquiry before they fully implement extra training that is needed. The main firefighters are from FESA and DEC and volunteers, of which there are 30 000 throughout the state. The police are called in to undertake certain roles. A single agency will take control of a serious bushfire, and, of course, that will be FESA. There has been some doubt over the past few years, even when the opposition was in government, about what authority should take control of a serious bushfire. There is no doubt now. In the event of a serious bushfire, FESA will assume control. It will play the major role in trying to ensure that we do not have another tragedy like that which occurred at Boorabbin. The police will play their role. I will certainly find out what specific extra training they will need. I know what Assistant Commissioner McRoberts said in his input into the coronial inquiry. I am not sure what specific training he has put in place. There is a limit to what the police can do. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You do not know the answer. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I love this member; she smiles at me when she delivers the knife. I will conclude now, member for Girrawheen. Mr E.S. Ripper : A short summary is: I don’t know. You could have said that. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have told members everything. The area in which I said I will find out more detail is whether any specific training has been put in place for police for them to cope with situations like the Boorabbin tragedy. I advise members that they train all the time for emergencies. The member for Midland would know that, because she is a former minister. The former police minister would know that. All members opposite should know that, because they were in government for seven and a half years. There will always be ongoing training for emergency situations. I hope I have answered the member’s question comprehensively, but if she needs any more information I would be very happy to provide that information at a later stage.
(1)-(3) I thank the member for the question. Obviously she has a genuine interest in this area. Over the past few years bushfires that have ended in tragedy have occurred in not only this state, but also Victoria. Everybody in emergency services has taken a great deal of notice in what has been going on in Victoria, particularly in findings and recommendations of the royal commission. This state’s agencies involved in this area include, predominantly, the Fire and Emergency Services Authority and the Department of Environment and Conservation as well as volunteer firefighters and, of course, the police. They are all responsible for taking certain action when bushfires get out of control, such as the fire that occurred in Boorabbin, resulting in tragic consequences. The member would be aware that recently a bill amending the Bush Fires Act passed through this house. Those amendments will play a significant role in potential bushfires. I advise members that from the information the government has been given, Western Australia, particularly in the south west, is extremely prone to serious bushfires this season. That is the prediction from the Bureau of Meteorology. Because of the wet winter, grass has grown to enormous height and in summer it will dry out and become an extreme fire hazard. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is important, but would you answer the question? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am very happy to, but I thought the house and the member for Girrawheen would be interested to know what is being done about putting contingencies in place to cope with bushfires. I know what the question is and I am trying to answer it by giving an overview of what the government is doing. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member for Midland is in the house today! It is good to see her again. The member for Girrawheen is interested in the answer; therefore, I will advise what strategic plans and training have been put in place. I can assure the member that FESA has been working very hard to implement strategies and training. Strategies and policies on how to deal with this issue are important. The police have a major role to play. I am not quite sure how much training they have put into this area at this stage. To some extent the police, like other agencies, have been waiting for the outcome of the coronial inquiry before they fully implement extra training that is needed. The main firefighters are from FESA and DEC and volunteers, of which there are 30 000 throughout the state. The police are called in to undertake certain roles. A single agency will take control of a serious bushfire, and, of course, that will be FESA. There has been some doubt over the past few years, even when the opposition was in government, about what authority should take control of a serious bushfire. There is no doubt now. In the event of a serious bushfire, FESA will assume control. It will play the major role in trying to ensure that we do not have another tragedy like that which occurred at Boorabbin. The police will play their role. I will certainly find out what specific extra training they will need. I know what Assistant Commissioner McRoberts said in his input into the coronial inquiry. I am not sure what specific training he has put in place. There is a limit to what the police can do. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You do not know the answer. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I love this member; she smiles at me when she delivers the knife. I will conclude now, member for Girrawheen. Mr E.S. Ripper : A short summary is: I don’t know. You could have said that. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have told members everything. The area in which I said I will find out more detail is whether any specific training has been put in place for police for them to cope with situations like the Boorabbin tragedy. I advise members that they train all the time for emergencies. The member for Midland would know that, because she is a former minister. The former police minister would know that. All members opposite should know that, because they were in government for seven and a half years. There will always be ongoing training for emergency situations. I hope I have answered the member’s question comprehensively, but if she needs any more information I would be very happy to provide that information at a later stage.
I advise members that from the information the government has been given, Western Australia, particularly in the south west, is extremely prone to serious bushfires this season. That is the prediction from the Bureau of Meteorology. Because of the wet winter, grass has grown to enormous height and in summer it will dry out and become an extreme fire hazard.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am very happy to, but I thought the house and the member for Girrawheen would be interested to know what is being done about putting contingencies in place to cope with bushfires. I know what the question is and I am trying to answer it by giving an overview of what the government is doing. Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member for Midland is in the house today! It is good to see her again. The member for Girrawheen is interested in the answer; therefore, I will advise what strategic plans and training have been put in place. I can assure the member that FESA has been working very hard to implement strategies and training. Strategies and policies on how to deal with this issue are important. The police have a major role to play. I am not quite sure how much training they have put into this area at this stage. To some extent the police, like other agencies, have been waiting for the outcome of the coronial inquiry before they fully implement extra training that is needed. The main firefighters are from FESA and DEC and volunteers, of which there are 30 000 throughout the state. The police are called in to undertake certain roles. A single agency will take control of a serious bushfire, and, of course, that will be FESA. There has been some doubt over the past few years, even when the opposition was in government, about what authority should take control of a serious bushfire. There is no doubt now. In the event of a serious bushfire, FESA will assume control. It will play the major role in trying to ensure that we do not have another tragedy like that which occurred at Boorabbin. The police will play their role. I will certainly find out what specific extra training they will need. I know what Assistant Commissioner McRoberts said in his input into the coronial inquiry. I am not sure what specific training he has put in place. There is a limit to what the police can do. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You do not know the answer. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I love this member; she smiles at me when she delivers the knife. I will conclude now, member for Girrawheen. Mr E.S. Ripper : A short summary is: I don’t know. You could have said that. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have told members everything. The area in which I said I will find out more detail is whether any specific training has been put in place for police for them to cope with situations like the Boorabbin tragedy. I advise members that they train all the time for emergencies. The member for Midland would know that, because she is a former minister. The former police minister would know that. All members opposite should know that, because they were in government for seven and a half years. There will always be ongoing training for emergency situations. I hope I have answered the member’s question comprehensively, but if she needs any more information I would be very happy to provide that information at a later stage.
Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member for Midland is in the house today! It is good to see her again. The member for Girrawheen is interested in the answer; therefore, I will advise what strategic plans and training have been put in place. I can assure the member that FESA has been working very hard to implement strategies and training. Strategies and policies on how to deal with this issue are important. The police have a major role to play. I am not quite sure how much training they have put into this area at this stage. To some extent the police, like other agencies, have been waiting for the outcome of the coronial inquiry before they fully implement extra training that is needed. The main firefighters are from FESA and DEC and volunteers, of which there are 30 000 throughout the state. The police are called in to undertake certain roles. A single agency will take control of a serious bushfire, and, of course, that will be FESA. There has been some doubt over the past few years, even when the opposition was in government, about what authority should take control of a serious bushfire. There is no doubt now. In the event of a serious bushfire, FESA will assume control. It will play the major role in trying to ensure that we do not have another tragedy like that which occurred at Boorabbin. The police will play their role. I will certainly find out what specific extra training they will need. I know what Assistant Commissioner McRoberts said in his input into the coronial inquiry. I am not sure what specific training he has put in place. There is a limit to what the police can do. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You do not know the answer. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I love this member; she smiles at me when she delivers the knife. I will conclude now, member for Girrawheen. Mr E.S. Ripper : A short summary is: I don’t know. You could have said that. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have told members everything. The area in which I said I will find out more detail is whether any specific training has been put in place for police for them to cope with situations like the Boorabbin tragedy. I advise members that they train all the time for emergencies. The member for Midland would know that, because she is a former minister. The former police minister would know that. All members opposite should know that, because they were in government for seven and a half years. There will always be ongoing training for emergency situations. I hope I have answered the member’s question comprehensively, but if she needs any more information I would be very happy to provide that information at a later stage.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member for Midland is in the house today! It is good to see her again. The member for Girrawheen is interested in the answer; therefore, I will advise what strategic plans and training have been put in place. I can assure the member that FESA has been working very hard to implement strategies and training. Strategies and policies on how to deal with this issue are important. The police have a major role to play. I am not quite sure how much training they have put into this area at this stage. To some extent the police, like other agencies, have been waiting for the outcome of the coronial inquiry before they fully implement extra training that is needed. The main firefighters are from FESA and DEC and volunteers, of which there are 30 000 throughout the state. The police are called in to undertake certain roles. A single agency will take control of a serious bushfire, and, of course, that will be FESA. There has been some doubt over the past few years, even when the opposition was in government, about what authority should take control of a serious bushfire. There is no doubt now. In the event of a serious bushfire, FESA will assume control. It will play the major role in trying to ensure that we do not have another tragedy like that which occurred at Boorabbin. The police will play their role. I will certainly find out what specific extra training they will need. I know what Assistant Commissioner McRoberts said in his input into the coronial inquiry. I am not sure what specific training he has put in place. There is a limit to what the police can do. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You do not know the answer. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I love this member; she smiles at me when she delivers the knife. I will conclude now, member for Girrawheen. Mr E.S. Ripper : A short summary is: I don’t know. You could have said that. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have told members everything. The area in which I said I will find out more detail is whether any specific training has been put in place for police for them to cope with situations like the Boorabbin tragedy. I advise members that they train all the time for emergencies. The member for Midland would know that, because she is a former minister. The former police minister would know that. All members opposite should know that, because they were in government for seven and a half years. There will always be ongoing training for emergency situations. I hope I have answered the member’s question comprehensively, but if she needs any more information I would be very happy to provide that information at a later stage.
The member for Girrawheen is interested in the answer; therefore, I will advise what strategic plans and training have been put in place. I can assure the member that FESA has been working very hard to implement strategies and training. Strategies and policies on how to deal with this issue are important. The police have a major role to play. I am not quite sure how much training they have put into this area at this stage. To some extent the police, like other agencies, have been waiting for the outcome of the coronial inquiry before they fully implement extra training that is needed. The main firefighters are from FESA and DEC and volunteers, of which there are 30 000 throughout the state. The police are called in to undertake certain roles. A single agency will take control of a serious bushfire, and, of course, that will be FESA. There has been some doubt over the past few years, even when the opposition was in government, about what authority should take control of a serious bushfire. There is no doubt now. In the event of a serious bushfire, FESA will assume control. It will play the major role in trying to ensure that we do not have another tragedy like that which occurred at Boorabbin. The police will play their role. I will certainly find out what specific extra training they will need. I know what Assistant Commissioner McRoberts said in his input into the coronial inquiry. I am not sure what specific training he has put in place. There is a limit to what the police can do. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You do not know the answer. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I love this member; she smiles at me when she delivers the knife. I will conclude now, member for Girrawheen. Mr E.S. Ripper : A short summary is: I don’t know. You could have said that. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have told members everything. The area in which I said I will find out more detail is whether any specific training has been put in place for police for them to cope with situations like the Boorabbin tragedy. I advise members that they train all the time for emergencies. The member for Midland would know that, because she is a former minister. The former police minister would know that. All members opposite should know that, because they were in government for seven and a half years. There will always be ongoing training for emergency situations. I hope I have answered the member’s question comprehensively, but if she needs any more information I would be very happy to provide that information at a later stage.
The police have a major role to play. I am not quite sure how much training they have put into this area at this stage. To some extent the police, like other agencies, have been waiting for the outcome of the coronial inquiry before they fully implement extra training that is needed. The main firefighters are from FESA and DEC and volunteers, of which there are 30 000 throughout the state. The police are called in to undertake certain roles. A single agency will take control of a serious bushfire, and, of course, that will be FESA. There has been some doubt over the past few years, even when the opposition was in government, about what authority should take control of a serious bushfire. There is no doubt now. In the event of a serious bushfire, FESA will assume control. It will play the major role in trying to ensure that we do not have another tragedy like that which occurred at Boorabbin. The police will play their role. I will certainly find out what specific extra training they will need. I know what Assistant Commissioner McRoberts said in his input into the coronial inquiry. I am not sure what specific training he has put in place. There is a limit to what the police can do. Mrs M.H. Roberts : You do not know the answer. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I love this member; she smiles at me when she delivers the knife. I will conclude now, member for Girrawheen. Mr E.S. Ripper : A short summary is: I don’t know. You could have said that. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have told members everything. The area in which I said I will find out more detail is whether any specific training has been put in place for police for them to cope with situations like the Boorabbin tragedy. I advise members that they train all the time for emergencies. The member for Midland would know that, because she is a former minister. The former police minister would know that. All members opposite should know that, because they were in government for seven and a half years. There will always be ongoing training for emergency situations. I hope I have answered the member’s question comprehensively, but if she needs any more information I would be very happy to provide that information at a later stage.
Mrs M.H. Roberts : You do not know the answer. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I love this member; she smiles at me when she delivers the knife. I will conclude now, member for Girrawheen. Mr E.S. Ripper : A short summary is: I don’t know. You could have said that. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have told members everything. The area in which I said I will find out more detail is whether any specific training has been put in place for police for them to cope with situations like the Boorabbin tragedy. I advise members that they train all the time for emergencies. The member for Midland would know that, because she is a former minister. The former police minister would know that. All members opposite should know that, because they were in government for seven and a half years. There will always be ongoing training for emergency situations. I hope I have answered the member’s question comprehensively, but if she needs any more information I would be very happy to provide that information at a later stage.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I love this member; she smiles at me when she delivers the knife. I will conclude now, member for Girrawheen. Mr E.S. Ripper : A short summary is: I don’t know. You could have said that. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have told members everything. The area in which I said I will find out more detail is whether any specific training has been put in place for police for them to cope with situations like the Boorabbin tragedy. I advise members that they train all the time for emergencies. The member for Midland would know that, because she is a former minister. The former police minister would know that. All members opposite should know that, because they were in government for seven and a half years. There will always be ongoing training for emergency situations. I hope I have answered the member’s question comprehensively, but if she needs any more information I would be very happy to provide that information at a later stage.
I will conclude now, member for Girrawheen. Mr E.S. Ripper : A short summary is: I don’t know. You could have said that. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have told members everything. The area in which I said I will find out more detail is whether any specific training has been put in place for police for them to cope with situations like the Boorabbin tragedy. I advise members that they train all the time for emergencies. The member for Midland would know that, because she is a former minister. The former police minister would know that. All members opposite should know that, because they were in government for seven and a half years. There will always be ongoing training for emergency situations. I hope I have answered the member’s question comprehensively, but if she needs any more information I would be very happy to provide that information at a later stage.
Mr E.S. Ripper : A short summary is: I don’t know. You could have said that. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have told members everything. The area in which I said I will find out more detail is whether any specific training has been put in place for police for them to cope with situations like the Boorabbin tragedy. I advise members that they train all the time for emergencies. The member for Midland would know that, because she is a former minister. The former police minister would know that. All members opposite should know that, because they were in government for seven and a half years. There will always be ongoing training for emergency situations. I hope I have answered the member’s question comprehensively, but if she needs any more information I would be very happy to provide that information at a later stage.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have told members everything. The area in which I said I will find out more detail is whether any specific training has been put in place for police for them to cope with situations like the Boorabbin tragedy. I advise members that they train all the time for emergencies. The member for Midland would know that, because she is a former minister. The former police minister would know that. All members opposite should know that, because they were in government for seven and a half years. There will always be ongoing training for emergency situations. I hope I have answered the member’s question comprehensively, but if she needs any more information I would be very happy to provide that information at a later stage.
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