Ministerial Statement

Sampson Flat and Tantanoola Bushfires

The Hon. A. PICCOLO (Light—Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety) (14:00): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. A. PICCOLO: Following the devastating Sampson Flat and Tantanoola bushfires in January this year, the Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authorities Council (also known as AFAC) was commissioned by the South Australian Country Fire Service to provide an independent operational audit of the response to those fires and identify where there may be opportunities for improvement. This audit was undertaken in addition to internal debriefs and multi-agency investigations.

AFAC, the peak body for public sector fire, land management and emergency service organisations in Australia and New Zealand, has conducted similar operational audits following bushfires in Tasmania, New South Wales and Western Australia. The audits are conducted by experienced operational fire practitioners drawn from interstate fire agencies. In this case, two officers from New South Wales and one from Tasmania were involved. All were senior ranked officers in their respective services.

The AFAC report has now been completed and has identified 18 recommendations which might be considered for adoption within the CFS and agencies that support the CFS during major events. The majority of these recommendations have been accepted by the CFS. However, some will require adjustment to CFS policies and procedures, and further consultation and training will be required before implementation ahead of the 2016-17 fire season. Some of the recommendations also impact other agencies, including the need for a multi-agency coordination centre. These recommendations require a whole-of-government response and will be considered by the government in the coming months.

I am pleased to note that the report concludes that none of the observations or recommendations significantly impeded the firefighting operations or management of these fires. I would once again like to put on the record the government's appreciation of the magnificent effort of everyone involved in responding to the January fires. I table the AFAC Independent Operational Audit January Fires 2015.