BUSHFIRE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES

Mr GOLDSWORTHY (Kavel) (14:42): My question is to the Minister for Emergency Services. Will the minister guarantee the house that the nine bushfire management committees across the state will be appointed by the target date of 30 September 2010, only two weeks from today? The minister will remember that the act was amended last year to establish the bushfire management areas and committees. At that time, during the committee stage of the bill, the minister stated that it would take approximately 10 to 12 weeks to establish these areas and committees.

Mrs Redmond: That's what they said about the Burnside council investigation.

Mr GOLDSWORTHY: That's right. Minister, 10 months has now passed.

The Hon. M.J. WRIGHT (Lee—Minister for Police, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (14:43): I would obviously want to check that first of all with Mr Euan Ferguson but, to the best of my knowledge, it is on course. I know that it is a priority for Mr Ferguson. I know that work has been underway. To the best of my knowledge, I have not had any information put to me in opposition to that. Before I give any guarantees, let me check that. I will certainly get back to the shadow minister quickly and promptly. We should be able to do that fairly quickly. To the best of my knowledge, that work being undertaken by Mr Ferguson is on track.