SKIP TO MAIN CONTENT

Tasmanian bushfire report finds flaws

An inquiry into Tasmania's bushfires has found many emergency procedures did not work during the January disaster.

Tasmania_bushfire_report_131015_AAP.JPG

2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


Skip to article content

An inquiry into Tasmania's devastating January bushfires has made more than 100 recommendations.

Former South Australian police commissioner Malcolm Hyde's report says major improvements can be made in the response to blazes that destroyed 200 homes.

"The fact that no person was killed should not simply be taken as an indication that the emergency management arrangements worked well," the report said.

"In a number of respects, the emergency management arrangements worked well.

"However, in a number of ways they did not."

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

The recommendations include that communications across agencies be more effective, that predictive modelling of fires be improved and the roles of police and fire service clarified.

Strategic fuel reduction burns should also be implemented, Mr Hyde found.

Tasmanian premier Lara Giddings said 30 of the recommendations had been prioritised for implementation before the coming bushfire season.

All 103 would be accepted in full or in principle, she said.

"It is true that the inquiry has identified weaknesses in some elements of the initial response and recovery but this process is about learning, not blame," Ms Giddings said in a statement.

The report said 3000 firefighters in 498 crews fought 34 fires when catastrophic conditions hit Tasmania on January 4.


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world