- Former AFP Commissioner Mick Keelty to head inquiry
- Inquiry to focus on cause of fire and lessons to be learned
- Community meeting to be held Sunday December 11 in Margaret River
An independent review announced today by Premier Colin Barnett would seek to get to the heart of the cause of the recent Margaret River fire which burnt out more than 3,400 hectares of principally Crown land and destroyed 32 houses, nine chalets and four sheds.
Mr Barnett said the inquiry would focus on the causes of the bushfire which resulted from prescribed burn BS520 in the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park on September 6, 2011.
"This inquiry is not about the validity of prescribed burns, it is all about the decision-making process," he said.
"Matters relating to the conduct of the fire suppression effort will be reviewed through normal DEC and FESA processes."
Former Australian Federal Police Commissioner Mick Keelty AO will head the special inquiry which will be conducted under section 24 of the Public Sector Management Act 1994. It will have similar powers to a Royal Commission.
"Mr Keelty is well placed to conduct the review in a timely manner as he will be able to build on the background and experience gained when examining the February 2011 Perth Hills bushfire," the Premier said.
"Importantly, he has also demonstrated he has the confidence of the wider community and has shown himself able to liaise effectively with communities which have experienced loss of property."
All Government agencies and officers of agencies will be required to fully and openly co-operate with the inquiry and provide access to all information, documentation or other records as requested by the inquirer. Local government agencies will be expected to co-operate in the same manner.
Mr Keelty will start work immediately and, as in the case of the Perth Hills Bushfire Review, the Department of the Premier and Cabinet will provide him with executive support and Mr Robert Cock QC will be available for legal advice.
A community meeting will be held in Margaret River on Sunday December 11 to provide an opportunity for local people to hear from, and speak to, Mr Keelty about the inquiry.
Mr Keelty will report to the Public Sector Commissioner by late January 2012.
Fact File
- Further information about the public meeting will be released in the near future
Premier's office - 9222 9475
Terms of Reference
The inquiry will:
Examine and report on:
a. the causes of the November 2011 Margaret River Bushfire
b. the basis for and circumstances leading up to DEC prescribed burn BS520 within the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park
c. the extent to which this prescribed burn was consistent with departmental policy and standard operating procedures.
Determine whether critical decisions regarding the prescribed burn, and its management, had sufficient regard for relevant risks, particularly the forecast weather conditions over the period of the burn.
Based on such examination, make such recommendations as considered necessary for the prudent management of future prescribed burns.
