Commonwealth Response to the Final Report of the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission

The Australian Government today released its response to the final report of the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission.

The Government remains committed to supporting those affected by this terrible disaster and working with the Victorian Government to assist in the implementation of recommendations made by the Commission.

The Government has carefully considered the findings and recommendations of the Commission’s final report since its tabling on 31 July 2010.

The report contained 67 recommendations, of which five were primarily directed at the Commonwealth. These relate to bushfire awareness and research, Commonwealth fire fighting resources, bushfire arson and environment protection legislation.

The Commonwealth strongly supports each of these recommendations.

The Government has already implemented a number of recommendations from the Commission’s Interim Report of August 2009 and is committed to continuing its cooperation with the Victorian Government and the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority to ensure the needs of local communities are met.

To date, the Commonwealth has provided more than $467 million to support the reconstruction and recovery of the many Victorian families and communities affected by this event.

More than $1 billion has also been invested across bushfire affected areas under the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan, generating significant economic activity and employment opportunities for the community.

The Government welcomes the Commission’s findings and will continue to work closely with Victoria and other states and territories to address the Commission’s recommendations.

Above all, the Government remains firmly committed to assisting the states and territories improve their emergency management arrangements by enhancing Australia’s resilience to disasters.