Shooters and Fishers to launch public bushfire inquiry

The Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party will launch a public inquiry into the response to the horrific summer bushfires.

Robert Borsak says The Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party inquiry would be independent in a way the government’s inquiry wasn’t. Picture: AAP

The Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party will launch a public inquiry into this summer’s historic bushfire crisis, amid concerns an existing inquiry commissioned by the NSW Premier is being run “in secret” and is refusing to hold hearings for affected communities.

Draft terms of reference obtained by The Australian reveal the inquiry will focus on 11 areas of concern, including the preparedness of NSW agencies, the legislation around hazard reduction burning, bushfire prevention strategies, and existing land management agreements.

The training of volunteers will also be examined, as well as the adequacy of bushfire relief efforts and the flow of financial assistance.

Led by the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party, the proposed inquiry has already drawn support from Labor and Greens MPs and, according to leader Robert Borsak, is likely to proceed. Only a handful of signatures are needed for the inquiry to go ahead.

Mr Borsak said the inquiry would be independent in a way the government’s inquiry wasn’t, and it would give victims and others a chance to speak openly about their experiences.

“It’s not good for the government to be running an inquiry which is technically in secret,” he said. “I don’t see why they shouldn’t have a fair, open and transparent process. You’ve got to wonder about the government’s intentions.”

In January, Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced the formation of an independent inquiry into the bushfires, led by former deputy police commissioner Dave Owens and former chief scientist Mary O’Kane.

Ms Berejiklian said the inquiry would report to her directly and — apart from visiting communities and taking submissions from those willing to write them — would not hold public hearings. A royal commission into the bushfires has also been announced by the federal government.

Labor’s upper house leader Adam Searle confirmed his party was considering its support for the public inquiry. And while Greens MP David Shoebridge declined to say if he would support it, he agreed with the need for transparency.

“People across the state, especially those most affected, have a right to be heard in a public setting,” he said.