Sampson Flat Bushfire

The Hon. A. PICCOLO (Light—Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety) (14:07): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. A. PICCOLO: On Monday 5 January 2015, the Chief Officer of the Country Fire Service, Mr Greg Nettleton, arranged an inspection of the Sampson Flat fireground. The chief officer invited me, as the Minister for Emergency Services, to accompany him and to be briefed on the situation. In mid-February 2015, media reports suggested that firefighters were redeployed for a 'public relations exercise with the minister' instead of battling the bushfire. On the same day, the CFS chief officer publicly refuted these allegations, saying:

The minister's office had no involvement whatsoever and I would not tolerate the minister's office or staff being involved in operational matters on an active fireground.

The Country Fire Service Volunteers Association called for an investigation and, given the gravity of the allegations, the CFS chief officer started an independent investigation. This was something I fully supported.

As both the chief officer and the CFS deputy chief officer had been present at the fireground inspection, Mr Chris Beattie, Chief Officer of the State Emergency Service, was asked to organise an independent investigation. I am advised that the investigation was robust, with many pages of witness transcripts being provided to Mr Beattie.

The findings have now been finalised. The abridged seven-page report contains all the facts, findings and conclusions about the fireground tour. This finding supports the CFS chief officer's original statement refuting the allegations. I table the report today as it is a matter of public interest.