The 2015-16 fire season was an extremely challenging one for the State, and we owe our hardworking professional and volunteer firefighters a debt of gratitude for keeping our communities safe.
Today we held a community BBQ lunch in Burnie to say thanks.
The government welcomes the Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authorities Council (AFAC) report into our firefighting efforts through the past summer, which was voluntarily commissioned by the Tasmanian Fire Service, Parks and Wildlife Service and Forestry Tasmania, as the relevant firefighting agencies.
The AFAC report says:
There are 12 recommendations identified within the report, providing suggestions and guidance for system improvement, although it is important to note that no major systemic failings have been identified.
This was the longest-running firefighting campaign in Tasmania's history, and our local, interstate and international firefighters put themselves in harm’s way to protect our communities, forests and wilderness areas.
This report vindicates their brave efforts during the unprecedented summer bushfires, and should serve as a lesson for those who have unjustifiably criticised the operational response. The avoidance of any loss of life was a commendable achievement.
The government is always open to new ways we can improve the efficiencies of our emergency services agencies. The agencies will now closely assess the report and consider its 12 recommendations and will provide further advice to government.
Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC) Independent Operational Review: A review of the management of the Tasmanian fires of January 2016 can be found online at https://www.fire.tas.gov.au/