BUSHFIRE BUNKERS

The Hon. S.G. WADE (14:39): I have a further supplementary question. Would the minister accept the criticism that the government is being overly cautious because it is couching as consumer advice what should be clear bushfire prevention advice that bunkers should not be built until the national standards are released?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Energy) (14:39): I have already put on record the list of the parameters that have been assessed as needing to be addressed to the satisfaction of suitably qualified professionals for a fire bunker to be considered safe, and that is on the best technical and scientific advice we have received. They are the matters that need to be addressed, and they are comprehensive. The cautionary note is comprehensive and, in terms of the code, that is being undertaken at the moment. I believe that the government is not being overly cautious; we are being responsible.