Establishment

The Letters Patent setting out the terms of reference of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission and appointing the Hon. Bernard Teague AO (Chairperson) and supported by Commissioners Ron McLeod AM and Susan Pascoe AM were issued by His Excellency's Command, Professor David De Kretser and the Premier of Victoria, John Brumby on the 16 February 2009, to investigate the causes of, preparation for, and responses to the Victorian Bushfires, which swept through parts of Victoria in late January and February 2009 and the impact of the fires on infrastructure.

The Commission was established for the purposes of inquiring into, and reporting on the following matters:

1. The causes and circumstances of the bushfires which burned in various parts of Victoria in late January and in February 2009 (2009 Bushfires)

2. The preparation and planning by governments, emergency services, other entities, the community and households for bushfires in Victoria, including current laws, policies and practices, resources and strategies for the prevention, identification, evaluation, management and communication of bushfire threats and risks.

3. All aspects of the response to the 2009 Bushfires, particularly measures taken to control the spread of the fires and measures taken to protect life and private and public property, including but not limited to:
(a) immediate management, response and recovery
; (b) resourcing, overall coordination and deployment; and
(c) equipment and communication systems.

4. The measures taken to prevent or minimise disruption to the supply of essential services such as power and water during the 2009 Bushfires.

5. Any other matters that you deem appropriate in relation to the 2009 Bushfires.

The Commission was further directed to make recommendations arising out of the inquiry as considered appropriate, including recommendations for governments, emergency services, other entities and the community on:

6. The preparation and planning for future bushfire threats and risks, particularly the prevention of loss of life.

7. Land use planning and management, including urban and regional planning.

8. The fireproofing of housing and other buildings, including the materials used in construction.

9. The emergency response to bushfires.

10. Public communication and community advice systems and strategies.

11. Training and infrastructure, and overall resourcing needs.

The Commission was also directed to deliver an Interim Report by 17 August 2009 and a Final Report due 31 July 2010.

The Interim Report was published and tabled in Parliament on Monday, 17th August 2009.