Public Hearings Begin
The first block of Royal Commission Bushfire Hearings begin today at the County Court, Melbourne.
“We are ready to begin rigorous examination of the events and circumstances of Black Saturday that resulted in so much loss of life and devastation,” said Chair of the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission, Bernard Teague.
The first block of hearings will focus on what happened on 7 February 2009, warnings and aspects of the ‘Stay or Go’ policy.
“Our primary focus will be on issues that will help create a safer environment for Victorian communities” said Commissioner Teague, “We will concentrate on how to limit the devastation of any future intense bushfires and save lives”.
The Commission will hear evidence from Country Fire Authority Chief Officer Russell Rees, Department of Sustainability and Environment Chief Fire Officer Ewan Waller, Emergency Services Commissioner Bruce Esplin and Deputy Commissioner of Victoria Police Kieran Walshe.
Many regional libraries, mobile library services and metropolitan libraries will also host live streaming of the hearings and provide access to transcripts to interested community members.
The Commission is streamed live via the web at the Royal Commission homepage.