Jeremy Rockliff

Premier of Tasmania



15 January 2021

Mark Shelton, Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management

Guy Barnett, Minister for Energy

O’Byrne desperate for a headline

David O’Byrne should apologise for his disgraceful attack on Tasmania Fire Service staff who have investigated the incident at Broadmarsh on Monday.  

The TFS investigation, appropriately conducted at arm’s length from Government, confirmed there was no breach of the fire ban requirements and the cause of the fire was determined to be the fallen power pole, not the use of explosives. 

In addition to this independent investigation, which Mr O’Byrne refuses to acknowledge, TasNetworks has also committed to undertaking its own investigation to ascertain exactly what occurred to identify any learnings, which is entirely appropriate.

To dishonestly suggest the incident has not been properly investigated is an unbelievable attack on the competency and expertise of the TFS, whose job it is to undertake such work.

Mr O’Byrne should respect the important work our fire service staff do, instead of trying to get his name in the paper to enhance his ever-growing leadership credentials.



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