Esa Operational Review - Interviews to Be Conducted

357

ESA OPERATIONAL REVIEW - INTERVIEWS TO BE CONDUCTED

NAME UNIT CONTACT DETAILS SCOTT, Rohan RFS (A/g CO) 620 50544 [email protected] POTTS, Greg RFS 620 78545 [email protected] FOOT, David Risk & Planning (Executive 620 78474 Branch Manager) [email protected] HORNER, David Risk & Planning 620 70199 [email protected] FORBES, Steve Risk & Planning 620 55235 [email protected] BUTLER, Jeff ComCEN (was CO, SES at 620 71140 time of incident) [email protected] MATTHEWS, Liz SES 620 72974 [email protected] SHONK, Matt SES (A/g CO) 620 70560 [email protected] RUTLAND, Kaylee Public Information & 620 56746 Engagement [email protected] McCORMICK, Isabel Public Information & 620 75055 Engagement [email protected] WHITE, Robyn Finance and Governance 620 75279 (Executive Branch Manager) [email protected] WORNER, Kristyn Finance & Governance 620 76414 [email protected] HUGHES, Bec People, Culture & Training 620 79981 (A/g Executive Branch [email protected] Manager) HARRIOTT, Mark People, Culture & Training 620 73964 [email protected] WREN, Howard ACTAS (CO) 620 70490 [email protected] SMITH, Matt ACTAS 620 78127 [email protected] JONES, Jason Fleet & Logistics (A/g 620 78437 Executive Branch Manager) [email protected] McALISTER, Clinton Fleet & Logistics 620 78404 [email protected] ZEITLHOFER, Chris ACTF&R (A/g CO) 620 78125 [email protected] MAVITY, Matt ACTF&R 620 78686 [email protected] FLYNN, Paul ACTF&R 620 78644 [email protected] WHELAN, Georgeina Commissioner 620 78383 [email protected] JOHNSON, Ray Deputy Commissioner (was 620 75967 ACT Chief Police Officer at [email protected] time of incident) 358 Sch 2 s 2.2 (a)(xvi) 359 Sch 2 s 2.2 (a)(xvi) 360

Sch 2 s 2.2 (a)(xvi), Sch 2 s 2.2 (a)(ii) 361 Sch 2 s 2.2 (a)(xvi), Sch 2 s 2.2 (a)(ii) 362 Sch 2 s 2.2 (a)(xvi), Sch 2 s 2.2 (a)(ii) 363 Sch 2 s 2.2 (a)(xvi) ACT EMERGENCY SERVICES AGENCY 364 2019/2020 BUSHFIRE SEASON TIMELINE

AUG 2019

ACT appoints Ms Georgeina Whelan as 21 ACT driest the fifth Commissioner to lead the ESA winter since 30 1982 OCT 2019 Fire permits required before conducting a hazard 1 reduction burn by anyone who lives in the rural 87 service personnel from ACT Emergency Services Agency and 2 areas outside the suburbs or city of Canberra ACT Parks and Conservation Service deployed to assist fighting fires burning in Northern New South Wales and Queensland 4 Bushfire Season commences 12 Parks and Conservation Services personnel deployed to assist in firefighting 10 efforts on the North Coast of NSW ACT experiences Strong winds 25 across ACT sever dust haze result in 23 26 Lightening bolt starts a mega requests for assistance fire in Gospers Mountain, NSW to ESA Bushfire in remote area of Namadgi National Park, on Bendora Road between Bulls Head 28 picnic area and Bendora Dam NOV 2019

3 ACT EPD prescribed burn near Stromlo Forest Park

Hazard reduction burn at Tuggeranong Homestead 18 Small grass fire, Weston

26 Hazard reduction burn on Majura Road

DEC 2019

80 firefighters, SES and Incident Management Officers who have been deployed to assist NSW RFS 1 with the Palarang fire, just outside of Braidwood Smoke enters 7 Canberra from fires in NSW

Firebird 100 arrives in the ACT 11

14 Fire moves to Southern Highlands, NSW. Firetrucks Backburn in Mount Wilson and Mount Irvine, NSW, overrun by fire, and two firefighters killed grows out of control, engulfs 350,000 ha 15 Strike team of 16 ACT RFS volunteers and two ACT Ambulance Total Fire Ban declared for the whole 19 Service paramedics deployed to assist the NSW RFS at the of the ACT for 19 to 21 December 2019 Currowan bushfire east of the ACT

24 PM announced Commonwealth Government employees who volunteer to fight bushfires will Total Fire Ban declared for the whole get an extra four weeks of paid leave Lightning 27 Severe smoke strikes of the ACT for 28 December 2019 haze over south recorded in of Canberra the Tinderries, 28 from a fire west South East of of Tumut on the ACT 29 Total Fire Ban declared for the whole of Dunns Road the ACT for 30 and 31 December 2019 Total Fire Ban declared for the 31 PM announced RFS volunteers who are self- whole of the ACT for 1 January 2020 employed or work for small and medium businesses Currowan, Charleys Forest and Clyde Mountain and who have been called out for more than fires in NSW joined, forms a large fire that has 10 days this fire season will be able to apply for burns through more than 257,000 ha payments for loss of income up to $300 per day up to a total of $6,000 per person

Emergency Warning Issued Total Fire Ban

POLITICAL COMMS EXT. FIRE EVENT FIRE EVENT ACTION STORM EVENT WEATHER 365

JAN 2020 Canberra’s air quality rated the 1 worst in the world

2 State of Alert declared for ACT – Emergency Controller appointed and IMT, PICC Devastating fire on Kangaroo Island, SA, and ECC activated for ACT burning 170,000 ha. This represents a third 3 – Deployment of ACT ESA staff to Adaminaby of the island. Australian Navy evacuates Complex and Dunns Road fires in NSW Mallacoota, VIC, as bushfires hit the town – Establishment of Relief Centre at Dickson College Driver-reviver centers established in ACT to provide relief for ACT experiences people transiting through Canberra from the South Coast 4 hottest day on Hall and Queanbeyan Showgrounds opened 24/7 to provide record at 44 All ACT EPSDD parks and public spaces closed degrees Celsius shelter for people transiting through Canberra ACT ESA Staging Area established at Glendale Dunns Road fire reaches 50km west of ACT ADF embedded in ACT ESA IMT

AFP drones used for the first time in bushfire operations 5

Qantas and Qatar flights in and out of Canberra cancelled due to smoke

Hospital Hill fire starts in Namadgi National Park

6 – ACT accepts supply of P2 masks from Commonwealth – Federal Government commits $2 billion to a national bushfire recovery fund. Victoria's Premier announces that bushfires had burnt through 1.2 million ha and 200 homes have been lost ACT government provides P2 masks to vulnerable ACT residents 7

PM agrees to extend Volunteer Firefighter’s Financial 8 Support Program payments to ACT RFS and SES volunteers

ESA conducts pre-emptive planning for aged care facilities along ACT western fringe

Hospital Hill fire extinguished 9

EPIC opened equine relocation centre

ACT Government Critical Infrastructure Committee activated 10 – Glendale Staging area stood down – ACT ESA deployment to Tumut to assist with NSW evacuations – ACT Police Operations Centre established

Dunns Road and Atkinson fire joined 11

12 Police Operations Centre stood down

HMAS Harman accommodates 19 displaced persons 13 (NSW bushfire evacuees)

14 – 400,000 P2/N95 masks provided to the ACT from the National Medical Stockpile – Aboriginal digging stick (estimated to be over 700 years) retrieved from near Bendora Dam – CHO Standing Order issued to enable supply of designated prescription medicines by pharmacists without a prescription

Emergency Warning Issued Total Fire Ban

POLITICAL COMMS EXT. FIRE EVENT FIRE EVENT ACTION STORM EVENT WEATHER 366

Mary’s Hill fire closest to the ACT border (4.8kms) 15

ADF again embedded into Planning cell of the ESA IMT

Severe storm 16 ACT EPSDD met with Traditional Custodians to discuss communications impacts ACT and messaging associated with indigenous cultural values – ECC meeting with ACT Police to progress evacuation planning – Ongoing ACT deployments to NSW fires at Mary’s Hill and Adaminaby Complex

Relief Centre at Dickson College closed (Note – pop out – since 2 Jan, 17 – SES receives 115 Requests For Assistance and responds across ACT 374 people assisted, $30,030 financial assistance provided and 103 people provided with temporary accommodation for a total of 86 nights ACT Community pop-up information stalls opened at Canberra Centre, Dickson & Erindale

18 Partial activation of ECC for weekend of 18 and 19 January

Mary’s Hill fire 4.6km west of ACT border, 33.5kms from urban interface; Adaminaby Complex Fire 1.8kms south-west of ACT border and 48kms from urban interface; Dunn’s Road fire 20kms west of ACT border and 46.7kms from urban interface 19

ACT Community pop-up information stalls opened at Canberra Centre, Dickson, Erindale, Canberra Outlet Centre and Gungahlin Village

20 State of Alert revised to rural and remote areas of ACT including Severe Tharwa and Uriarra Village hailstorm hits Canberra ACT SES receives record number of calls for assistance 2468

Fire more than 332,100 ha in size continues to burn in Snowy Mountains area of NSW Grassfire at Stoney Creek Nature Reserve 21

ACT SES receives 2044 calls for assistance, and completes 580 support jobs

Fire at Pialligo 22 Emergency Warning issued for Beard, Total Fire Ban declared Oakes Estate and West Queanbeyan

State of Alert reinstated for whole of ACT

Fire at Kallaroo Road, Pialligo 23 Watch and Act issued for Pialligo & Brindabella Park 1100hrs Watch & Act issued for Beard, Oakes Estate and West Queanbeyan 1125hrs Emergency warning issued for Beard, Oakes Estate and West Queanbeyan 1157hrs 24 Pialligo and Kallaroo fires joined (renamed Beard Grass & Bush Fire)

Three American firefighters die after their Lockheed C-130 Hercules – Emergency Warning issued for Beard Fire 1409hrs plane crashed while battling bushfires in southern NSW – Beard Fire downgraded to Watch & Act 1655hrs – ACT SES completed 1802 storm jobs from 20 Jan hailstorm – Very Large Air Tanker (VLAT) arrives in ACT Beard Fire under control 26

27 – Fire Orrorral Valley – Orrorral Valley fire reaches 18km from Tharwa

State of Alert issued for all ACT

– ACT ESA Staging Area established at Namadgi Visitor Cenre – ACT SES receives more than 2300 calls for assistance

Emergency Warning Issued Total Fire Ban

POLITICAL COMMS EXT. FIRE EVENT FIRE EVENT ACTION STORM EVENT WEATHER 367

Total Fire Ban declared for all ACT Tharwa community meeting and doorknocking of rural leaseholders south of Tharwa and in Tharwa village 28 Emergency Alert Warnings issued to Tharwa residents and Naas Valley rural landholders Orrorral Valley fire 9kms south west of Tharwa Village and 15kms from Banks Establishment of Evacuation Centre at Erindale College 29 Lanyon Valley community meeting, doorknocking of Banks, ACT ESA Staging Area relocated from Namadgi Visitors Centre Conder and Gordon to Tuggeranong SES ACT SES completed 2334 jobs from the 20 Jan hail storm ACT ESA PICC stood up

Beard fire extinguished 30 Orrorral Valley fire now 2.1km from Tharwa Village and 7.3km from urban interface State of Emergency declared for ACT 1140hrs VLAT operational – ESA Commissioner appointed as Emergency Controller, ACT Extreme Uriarra Village community meeting, doorknocking of 31 Heat Plan activated Bonython and Greenway Bushfire Prone Areas – ACT Policing established Forward Command Post at Lanyon Vikings Club

Arrival of Queensland Strike Teams Doorknocking of Kambah, Chapman, Duffy and Wright bushfire prone areas

Northern Corroboree frogs and captive koalas relocated Orrorral Valley fire burns 18,507ha (nearly 8% of the ACT) from Tidbinbilla to ANU 24 Brush-tailed rock wallabies relocated from Tidbinbilla to Victoria

FEB 2020

Orrorral Valley fire burns over 44,719ha and is out of control, reaches 1 1.9kms from Tharwa Village and 6.9kms from urban interface

1km ‘no-retardant’ zone has mapped by ESA around all ICON water dams to protect water quality ACT State of Emergency lifted. State of Alert remains in place for rural and remote areas. ACT Extreme Heat Plan deactivated Emergency Warning issued for Orrorral Valley Fire 1510hrs 2 Orrorral valley fire burns over 55,000ha (close to 50% of Namadgi National Park) and remains out of control only 1.2kms from Tharwa Village and 6.4kms from urban interface Heavy smoke over urban Doorknocking of vulnerable people in Banks, Gordon, areas of 3 Canberra, in Conder and Bonython particular the southern Orrorral Valley fire burns over 61,394ha remains out of control suburbs 1.2kms from Tharwa Village and 6kms from urban interface

EvoEnergy patrolling ACT powerlines by air as part of their 4 ACT ESA Staging Area Tuggeranong SES closed and relocated annual bushfire mitigation and safety maintenance program to Namadgi Visitors Centre Icon water providing Uriarra Village with non-drinking water for the purposes of toilet flushing, laundry use, car washing, external uses and urban firefighting

5 Retardant air drop due to turbulence on Parkes Way 1530hrs

Orrorral Valley remains out of control and burns 80,248ha. Now 5.8km from Tidbinbilla Tracking Station visitors centre, 4.9kms from Birrigai and 5.1kms from Tidbinbilla Visitors Centre

Orrorral Valley remains out of control and burns 84,934ha. Now 6 10.4km from Tidbinbilla Tracking Station visitors centre, 1.9kms from Birrigai and 3.4kms from Tidbinbilla Visitors Centre

ACT commenced rehabilitation plans for all heritage and conservation values within Namadgi National Park Back burning operations conducted in the Gibralter Peak area

Emergency Warning Issued Total Fire Ban

POLITICAL COMMS EXT. FIRE EVENT FIRE EVENT ACTION STORM EVENT WEATHER 368

Erindale Evacuation Centre closes (183 people assisted, 14 provided with temporary accommodation)

7 Orrorral Valley remains out of control and burns 86,285ha. Now 7.0km from Tidbinbilla Tracking Station visitors centre, 2.0kms from Birrigai and 3.4kms from Tidbinbilla Visitors Centre

Arrival in ACT of UAE support contingent

Orrorral Valley remains out of control and burns 86,562ha. Now 8 7.0km from Tidbinbilla Tracking Station visitors centre, 1.8kms from Birrigai and 3.0kms from Tidbinbilla Visitors Centre ACT State of Alert for rural & remote areas lifted 25 new requests for SES assistance due to storm damage Orrorral Valley listed as under control and burns 86,562ha. Now 7.0km from Tidbinbilla Tracking Station visitors centre, 9 1.8kms from Birrigai and 3.0kms from Tidbinbilla Visitors Centre Currowan Fire declared extinguished after burning for 74 days and across 499,621ha, spanning across the region and spreading to neighbouring councils including Eurobodalla, Wingecarribee and Queanbeyan Palerang Orrorral Valley fire now contained after burning 87,300ha 442 new requests for SES assistance due to storm damage Severe 10 storm across Birrigai and Tidbinbilla Nature reserve reopened ACT Demobilising of ACT ESA Staging Area at Namadgi Visitors Centre completed ACT Rapid Recovery Risk Assessment (RRAT) team commenced Orrorral Valley fire has around 300 ‘hot-spots’ remaining

New funding announced to strengthen the ACT’s bushfire 11 preparedness including new electronic fire danger rating signs and a six-month trial of fire and smoke detection camera in key elevated locations across Canberra to aid with early fire detection

UAE support contingent departs ACT Disaster recovery assistance activated for the ACT Bushfires 12 ACT ESA Staging area at Namadgi Visitors Centre stood-down ACT SES complete 485 requests for assistance following recent rain and strong winds. Crews from SES, ACT F&R and Transport Canberra & City Services responded to a number calls for help

14 EPIC Equine Relocation Centre closed. At its peak, 153 horses were accommodated at EPIC

Severe thunderstorms including strong 18 winds, heavy rainfall and hail in ACT

NVLAT ‘Bomber 912’ in the sky over Canberra for routine systems 19 checks and water drop in Kowen Forrest. VLAT has flown 29 missions delivering over 1 million litres of retardant to fires in ACT and NSW

Northern Corroboree frogs returned to Tidbinbilla 20

ESA Commissioner Whelan, ESA Chief Officers and other staff from 25 ESA attend HMAS Harman to express thanks and appreciation for the support ADF provided over the bushfire season

Orrorral Valley fire declared out, confirmed by Special Intelligence Gathering (SIG) helicopter, Firebird100 27

Emergency Warning Issued Total Fire Ban

POLITICAL COMMS EXT. FIRE EVENT FIRE EVENT ACTION STORM EVENT WEATHER 369

ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA)

Operational Review of Bushfire Season 2019‐2020

Initial Observations from a desktop review of documents provided by ESA and other research sources by Michael Mahy and Malcolm Brailey during the week ending 29 May. Interviews with key personnel are pending

Prepared for ACT ESA

29 May 2020 by Michael Mahy and Malcolm Brailey 370

PROJECT PURPOSE AND METHOD

The purpose of this review is to identify key observations, learning Research Methods opportunities and good practice for ESA in preparation for the Research methods will include: meta‐analysis of existing internal ESA 2020/2021 Bushfire Season. data and informational sources; document review; primary research interviews with participants (based on standardised interview format The review will be conducted using a transparent and robust process and template); select interviews and discussions with relevant which supports ESA personnel to explore thematic issues or specific external stakeholders and experts (agreed with ESA); and media and topics and identify key learnings with the intent of instituting change. other open source data Assurance activities will be identified that contribute directly to the ESA’s preparation for the forthcoming fire season and provide added resilience to the ESA’s capacity to respond.

The outcomes will inform the ongoing cycle of learning and improvement across the ESA by validating and evaluating existing Terms of Reference doctrine, arrangements, policy, procedure, and incident/emergency management application. The outcomes will provide evidence to This report will examine ESA performance to include: inform a range of activities including training, exercising and briefings. • Preparedness; • Planning; Synergy will employ an “operational analysis” (OA) systems approach • Response (operations); to reviewing the ACT 2019/20 bushfire season. The review will look to • Response (management); and accommodate and acknowledge the layers of governance and coordination required and the various supporting capabilities, systems • Recovery and processes in play (including outside ESA, where relevant). A clear analytical framework with key methodological steps and evaluative criteria has been developed for this task.

ACT ESA –Operational Review of 2019‐2020 Bushfire Season 2 371 Sch 2 s 2.2 (a)(xvi)

ACT ESA –Operational Review of 2019‐2020 Bushfire Season 3 372 Sch 2 s 2.2 (a)(xvi)

ACT ESA –Operational Review of 2019‐2020 Bushfire Season 4 373

The observations made above do not represent a mature product and are not conclusive.

ACT ESA –Operational Review of 2019‐2020 Bushfire Season 5 374

OPERATIONAL REVIEW – INTERVIEW SCHEDULE

DATE TIME INTERVIEWEE Wednesday 3 June 0900 - 0945 MATT SMITH 2020 0945 – 1030 MATT MAVITY

1030 - 1115 ROHAN SCOTT

1115 – 1200 ROBYN WHITE

1200 – 1245 DAVID FOOT DAVID HORNER STEVE FORBES 1315 – 1400 PAUL FLYNN

1400 – 1445 CHRIS ZEILTHOFER

1445 – 15.00 ISABEL MCCORMICK

1500 – 1545 JASON JONES

1545 – 1630 RAY JOHNSON

1630 – 1715 Bec Hughes/Mark Harriott Thursday 4 June 1215 – 1300 GEORGEINA WHELAN 2020 1315 – 1400 GREG POTTS

1415 – 1500 KRISTYN WORNER

1515 – 1600 HOARD WREN

1615 - 1700 CLINTON MCALISTER

Friday 5 June 2020 0900 – 0945 LIZ MATTHEWS & SEAN QUERCINI

0945 – 1030 KAYLEE RUTLAND

1030 – 1115 JEFF BUTLER

1115 – 1200 MATT SHONK

1200 – 1245 ISOBEL McCORMICK (rescheduled from Wedneday) 375

1330 – 1415 ROHAN SCOTT & GREG POTTS 1415 – 1500 ROHAN SCOTT & GREG POTTS 1500 – 1545

1545 – 1630

1630 - 1715 376 Sch 2 s 2.2 (a)(xvi) 377 Sch 2 s 2.2 (a)(xvi) 378 Sch 2 s 2.2 (a)(xvi) 379 Sch 2 s 2.2 (a)(xvi) 380 Sch 2 s 2.2 (a)(xvi) 381 Sch 2 s 2.2 (a)(xvi) 382 Sch 2 s 2.2 (a)(xvi) 383 Sch 2 s 2.2 (a)(xvi) 384 Sch 2 s 2.2 (a)(xvi) 385

Sch 2 s 2.2 (a)(ii) 386 387 Sch 2 s 2.2 (a)(xvi) 388 Sch 2 s 2.2 (a)(xvi) 389 Sch 2 s 2.2 (a)(xvi) 390 Sch 2 s 2.2 (a)(xvi) 391 QUESTION TIME BRIEF

MIN:2020/000090-023 Portfolio/s: Police & Emergency Services ISSUE: ACT RURAL FIRE SERVICE VOLUNTEER CONCERNS Talking points: • Thank you to all of our volunteers who have an enormous impact on improving the health and well-being of communities, not just in the ACT and Australia, but worldwide.

• I also thank volunteers for taking the time to write to me, to express their opinion on a number of matters they consider important as volunteers.

• All feedback is appreciated and contributes to ESA’s program of continuous improvement.

Confidence in the ESA Commissioner • The Chief Minister and I spent time at the ESA Headquarters just about every day throughout the Beard and Orroral Valley fires and we saw first-hand the considerations of the ESA during these operations. • Not only does Commissioner Whelan have the Government’s continued support, but that of the community who have widely praised her efforts. After-Action Reviews (AARs) • I am advised that the ESA has held more than 38 workshops with volunteers and staff as part of its AARs. At this stage the ESA has not had the opportunity to evaluate the comments and discuss them with their own personnel. “Draft for discussion” documents collected from all areas of the ESA have been provided to an external consultant, who has commenced a process of analysing the feedback as part of the evaluation process. Unauthorised Release of Draft for Discussion Documents • A review process only works if volunteers and staff are comfortable to express their honest views and experiences in a transparent and trusting environment, without fear of their comments appearing in media articles or being used in a way that they did not intend.

Cleared as complete and accurate: 03/06/2020 Cleared by: Deputy Commissioner Contact Officer name: Ray Johnson Ext: 75967 Lead Directorate: Justice and Community Safety Cleared for release Yes Information Officer name: Georgeina Whelan TRIM Ref: MIN:2020/000090-023

392 QUESTION TIME BRIEF

• The unauthorised release of a ‘Draft’ document impedes the privacy offered to all RFS members by the AAR process, makes public untested opinions, and may jeopardise future reviews. Public Messaging During Bushfire Threat • One of the clear lessons from the 2003 Canberra bushfires was that people wanted to know early about approaching bushfire and with as much advance warning as possible. • I am proud of the efforts of all ACT Governmnet Directorates in keeping Canberrans informed and safe during the 2019-20 bushfire season. • A survey of 823 community members was recently conducted to determine the effectiveness of the communication and engagement during the 2019-20 bushfire season. Key findings of the survey included:

o 98 percent of respondents knew the ACT was in a State of Alert / State of Emergency;

o 93 percent of respondents agreed that they felt well informed about the recent ACT;

o 89 percent of respondents said they knew what to do if a bushfire threatened them; and

o 50 percent of respondents created a bushfire survival plan. Use of Australian Defence Force (ADF) • On 4 January 2020, the Prime Minister announced ADF assistance for the bushfires burning across Australia. This included boots on the ground, planes in the sky and ships out at sea all supporting the bushfire fighting effort and recovery. • In the ACT, arrangements have long been in place for the ADF to be accommodated as part of our Emergency Coordination Centre. Therefore, the personnel deployed to the ACT were able to have an almost immediate impact in assisting our community. • Some of the tasks the ADF assisted in included, but was not limited to: o Fireground surveillance o Door knocking o Personnel transport; bus and helicopter Cleared as complete and accurate: 03/06/2020 Cleared by: Deputy Commissioner Contact Officer name: Ray Johnson Ext: 75967 Lead Directorate: Justice and Community Safety Cleared for release Yes Information Officer name: Georgeina Whelan TRIM Ref: MIN:2020/000090-023

393 QUESTION TIME BRIEF

o Provision of accommodation for interstate crews including catering at ADFA

o Provision of heavy plant and other equipment along with trained operators

o Incident Management Team, Emergency Coordination Centre and planning support

o Hand crews for development of helipads and indirect fire attack. • The excellent work of all services, including the ADF, minimised the impact of these fires and ensured there was no loss of life as a result of the bushfires that surrounded the ACT. Respiratory Protection • The best respiratory protection for volunteers for the effects of smoke is a matter of great concern to the ESA. • The Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council note in their Managing Bushfire Smoke Exposure guidelines that the P2 masks currently available to our members are the current minimum bushfire standard. • As part of its commitment to innovation and improvement, the ACT Rural Fire Service (ACTRFS) has trialled, through the Brigades, a number of different types of P2and P3 masks during the 2019-20 bushfire season. • The ACTRFS has also been in close consultation with their NSW counterparts as they are also considering options. • Due to varying types of masks – full face and half face – the ACTRFS needs to be confident in the decision that they procure a product that is best fit for the Service. • This process cannot be rushed. Any changes may not be implemented prior to next bushfire season, but it will be well-considered with the safety and wellbeing of its personnel being the main priority.

394 QUESTION TIME BRIEF

Volunteer Firefighter Payment Scheme • When the Federal Government first announced the Volunteer Firefighter Payment scheme, it was only available to NSW Rural Fire Service members. The hard work of the ACT Government and the ESA ensured this payment was also made available to ACT members. • The ACT Government has taken all reasonable steps to ensure eligible volunteer members who submit an application, receive payment as quickly as possible. • The ESA has ensured that all eligible volunteers are aware of the opportunity to apply for payment via the ESA website, cross-government and public information spaces, service-specific newsletters and internal ESA communication channels. • The ESA has also been assisting volunteers with completing the application forms when help has been requested, and has engaged in regular updates with volunteers to keep them informed. • I am advised by the ESA that they have only received positive feedback from volunteer members on their handling of the Volunteer Firefighters' Financial Support Program. • In response to some criticism that the process is complicated and that there were delays, I would like to inform Members that the ACT Government and the ESA have been working within the confines of the criteria set by the Commonwealth. • It is also important to note that a number of volunteers who are eligible for the payment, have decided not to submit an application on the basis that they are volunteers and they do not expect to be paid for the services they provide to the community.

AUTHOR: Dan Jervis-Bardy; Dan Jervis-Bardy SECTION: GENERAL NEWS ARTICLE TYPE: NEWS ITEM AUDIENCE : 14,068 PAGE: 1 PRINTED SIZE: 702.00cm² REGION: ACT MARKET: Australia395 ASR: AUD 4,465 WORDS: 794 ITEM ID: 1283352533

03 JUN, 2020 Defence no help in fires

Canberra Times, Canberra Page 1 of 3

BUSHFIRES Military were difficult to work with according to Rural Fire Service Defencenohelpinfires

EXCLUSIVE cy services spokeswoman Dan Jervis-Bardy Giulia Jones said on Tuesday the allegations needed to be DEFENCE force person- appropriately investigated, nel directed by the Prime but Chief Minister Andrew Minister to assist during the Barr said he had full confi- Canberra bushfires were -dif dence in ESA Commission- ficult to work with and their er Georgeina Whelan and involvement did not help the her agency. response, according to ACT Volunteer Brigades Asso- Rural Fire Service staff. ciation president John-Paul A leaked draft internal re- Romano said many of his view into the handling of the members felt disrespected Canberra fires that devastat- and undervalued by their ed much of Namadgi Nation- paid counterparts at agency al Park and threatened the headquarters. city's southern suburbs has Twenty-year veteran of the revealed Rural Fire Service ACT Bushfire Council and staff had reservations about Tharwa resident Kevin Jeffery the role of ADF personnel also said he had been vocal deployed to assist the re- throughout the fire season sponse. that Canberra suburbs and On Tuesday The Canberra Tharwa had been evacuated Times revealed disturbing "for no reason". claims that aircraft had been "There was no danger at directed to fly dangerously any point to the suburbs of low for 'a good news story'. the ACT and Tharwa was Staff were also quoted in only under threat from a few the report as saying a cul- spot fires potentially one ture of blame and shame night," Mr Jeffery said. had developed. "We were evacuated twice Today it can be revealed for no reason, and I made Rural Fire Service staff found that clear with multiple the military difficult to work phone calls to ministers and with and ineffective. senior emergency services." ACT Opposition emergen- ■ Reports: Pages 4-5

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03 JUN, 2020 Defence no help in fires

Canberra Times, Canberra Page 2 of 3 Defence 'did not help' bushfire response

Dan Jervis-Bardy THE Defence Force was difficult to work They recalled that the efficiencies expect- with and their deployment did not help ed to result from their involvement never Canberra's bushfire response, according to materialised. ACT Rural Fire Service staff. The review heard that most tasks hada Rural Fire Service staff had reservations three-day turnaround, while it appeared that about the military's role in responding the ADF and RFS were speaking different to the unfolding crisis, according to their languages. feedback to the Emergency Service Agency's "In summary, arrival of ADF did not help," "after action review" into the ACT's bushfire staff told the review, although they added season. that Defence did provide "some value .. Their feedback made no mention of towards the end". Defence's role in inadvertently igniting the The Rural Fire Service staff claimed in Orroral Valley fire, which ultimately burnt the review that "political agendas ... and the through more than 80 per cent of Namadgi desire to use the ADF" meant that local firms National Park and threatened Canberra's were overlooked for jobs. southern suburbs. In a statement to The Canberra Times,a The blaze was sparked by a landing light Defence spokesman said it was unaware of from a Defence MRH-90 Taipan helicopter, the Emergency Services Agency's internal which was completing a reconnaissance review. mission deep inside the national park on The spokesman said it stepped into January 27. support the agency at the request of the ACT The agency's internal review, which The Canberra Times government. has obtained, included ob- The Defence spokesman said it provided servations from Rural Fire Service staff about wide-ranging assistance during the re- Defence after personnel were "embedded" sponse, including with aerial fire imagery, inside the agency's Incident Management establishment of fire breaks and contain- Team on January 4. ment lines, door knocking, medical support, The move came as Prime Minister Scott equipment maintenance, debris and road Morrison announced a call-out of army clearance, traffic control, and accommoda- reservists to assist the response to the bush- tion and catering for emergency responders fires raging across southeastern Australia. and evacuees. Chief Minister Andrew Barr had declared He said Defence supplied two liaison a "state of alert" for the ACT two days earlier, officers who helped provide direct lines of as fires burning in the Snowy Mountains communication between the agency and the region loomed over the territory's south- military during the response. western border. In late February, Emergency Services In what they categorised to the internal Agency Commissioner Georgeina Whelan review as a surprise, ACT Rural Fire Service and other senior officers visited HMAS staff said Defence "was difficult towork Harman near Queanbeyan to thank Defence with". for their support during the bushfire season.

03 JUN, 2020 Defence no help in fires

Canberra Times, Canberra Page 3 of 3

The agency, Emergency Services Minister Mick Gentleman and Chief Minister Andrew Barr have backed the handling of the bushfire response, but are refusing to comment on any specific allegations while the review is ongoing.

ACT Emergency Services Agency Commissioner Georgeina Whelan disembarks from an MRH-90 Taipan helicopter. Picture: Department of Defence

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02 JUN, 2020 Fire agency's culture of 'blame and shame'

Canberra Times, Canberra Page 1 of 7

BUSHFIRES Staff claim planes told to fly dangerously low for ‘a good news story’ Fire agency’s culture of ‘blame and shame’

EXCLUSIVE Senior volunteers claimed that Dan Jervis-Bardy public messaging at the height of the emergency overstated the serious- A LEAKED internal review into ness of the situation and created Canberra’s bushfire season has more panic than there should have detailed explosive claims about the been. Volunteers felt so disrespected Emergency Service Agency’s han- they considered walking off the dling of the crisis, the behaviour of its Orroral Valley fireground, according high-profile commissioner and the to the report. level of discontent within the paid In one of the most alarming ranks of the ACT Rural Fire Service. allegations, Rural Fire Service staff The report, obtained by The said risks were taken to fly aircraft at Canberra Times and labeled ‘draft “dangerously low heights” during the for discussion’ lays bare the raw emergency because it would make views of Rural Fire Service staff and for a “good news story”. volunteers about the response to the The Emergency Services Agency ACT’s worst fire season since 2003. has defended its handling of the cri- The review heard allegations sis and Emergency Services Minister that the culture inside the agency Mick Gentleman said commissioner resulted in decision-making paral- Georgeina Whelan had his contin- ysis at all but the most senior levels ued support. of command. ■ REPORTS: Pages 4-5

02 JUN, 2020 Fire agency's culture of 'blame and shame'

Canberra Times, Canberra Page 2 of 7

A leaked review into Canberra's summer bushfire season has detailed explosive claims about the Emergency Services Agency and its high-profile commissioner. Picture: Sitthixay Ditthavong

Explosive claims about ESA commissioner and handling of bushfire crisis

AleakedinternalreviewintoCanberra’ssummerofbushfires has heard that “blame and shame behaviour” was prevalent inside ESA headquarters, writes DAN JERVIS-BARDY

A LEAKED internal review into Canberra's The "unacceptable behaviour" of the person bushfire season has detailed explosive claims in charge of the response - Emergency Services about the Emergency Service Agency's Agency commissioner Georgeina Whelan - handling of the crisis, the behaviour of its wasn't challenged because staff feared they high-profile commissioner and the level of would lose their jobs if they stood up to her, discontent within the paid ranks of the ACT they told the review. Rural Fire Service. The Emergency Services Agency would In one admission to the review, Rural Fire not comment on the specific allegations, but Service staff said risks were taken to fly aircraft said it was "extremely proud" of its efforts in at "dangerously low heights" during the keeping Canberrans safe and informed during emergency because it would make for a "good Australia's horror bushfire season. news story". The claims made to the review were Staff told the review that "blame and shame described as "honest and unedited feedback" behaviour" was prevalent inside agency provided during workshops held in the wake headquarters in early January, which led to of the summer's emergency, which would now decision-making paralysisatall but the most be analysed alongside other inquiries into the senior levels of command. ACT government's response.

02 JUN, 2020 Fire agency's culture of 'blame and shame'

Canberra Times, Canberra Page 3 of 7

Emergency Service Minister Mick Gentleman has backed the agency and 'Afraid to speak up' commissioner Whelan, who he said had his The agency held 38 workshops with volunteers and staff from its various teams as part ofits "continued support". review into the fire season. The ACT experienced its The Canberra Times has obtained feedback worst fire season since 2003 provided by representatives from the volunteer over summer, with the Beard brigades and Rural Fire Service staff. The and Orroral Valley documents are marked "draft for discussion" fires threatening and their "observations" are compiled as dot Queanbeyan points. and Canberra's The review focused primarily on the period southern suburbs from January 2, when Chief Minister Andrew respectively in Barr declared a state of alert for the ACT, late January. through to the end of the month, as the Orroral The mas- Valley fire was raging in Canberra's far south. sive Orroral Concerns about the response arose as soon Valley blaze as the agency was "stood up" in response burnt to looming threats from fires burning in the through more Snowy Mountains region. Commissioner than 80 per Whelan was appointed Emergency Controller centofNam- (EC) to lead the response, with Incident Con- adgi National trollers and an Incident Management Team Park. operating under her control. Rural Fire Service staff said there was No homes or lives were lost in either blaze. "limited consultation" with their team, which The Emergency Service Agency, in par- was unclear why a state of alert was declared ticular commissioner Whelan, was widely given there were no fires burning in the ACT at praised for the handling of the threats and the that point. The declaration caused panic and communication with the Canberra communi- confusion in the public, they recalled. ty. Every member of the agency and ACT Parks They felt "sidelined/excluded" as parks and and Conservation were named 2020 Canberra conservation staff were elevated to more influ- citizens of the year in recognition of their ential decision-making roles. The knowledge of actions. the Rural Fire Service was "no longer valued", But feedback provided to the they said. agency's "after action review" has Inside the control room, it was "unclear" revealed serious concerns were held what was driving the decisions made by the internally about the response, Incident Management Team. ranging from the conduct of its Commissioner Whelan, who was overseeing senior leadership team to the lack her first fire season in charge of the agency, had of planning for aerial firefighting, set a "new direction" which was different to the treatment of staff and manage- what the rest of team knew and had agreed to. ment of financial resources and Staff recalled "unacceptable comments and equipment. behaviour from the EC", which, "for fear of The Canberra Times earlier this year reported on the tensions between the volunteer People [were] afraid to brigades and the Emergency Service Agency, speakupfor fear ofbeing which were again expressed in their feedback to the review. berated in front of peers, ■ Do you know more? Email whichleadtodecision [email protected] making paralysis at all The most alarming revelations came from the paid staff at the ACT Rural Fire Service. levels below ACT Rural Fire Service staff

02 JUN, 2020 Fire agency's culture of 'blame and shame'

Canberra Times, Canberra Page 4 of 7

losing their jobs ... no one stood up to". There f response, which did not address the specific was "disrespectful comments and behaviour" allegations. from parks and conservation. In the statement, an agency spokeswoman Acts of "blame and shame behaviour were said it "always strives to undertake operations prevalent", they said. in a way that is safe, legally compliant and "People [were] afraid to speak up for fear of financially responsible". being berated in front of peers which lead to The spokeswoman said it had started a decision making paralysis at all levels below," d thorough review of the bushfire season, which the review heard. included the workshops with members of the various branches of the agency. Their "honest 'A reliance on what and unedited" feedback has been handed to people wanted to see' a consultant, who had started assessing it this The review heard disturbing claims about the week, she said. agency's response to the ACT fires, particularly The spokeswoman said the "after action as it related to aerial firefighting. review" process only worked if volunteers and People were expected to perform roles staff were comfortable to express their views in despite not having experience in aviation, staff a safe and supportive environment. said. Although 90 per cent of firefighting was The agency welcomed the opportunity to done aerially, "less than 0.1 per cent planning reflect on its performance, she said. Feedback was undertaken on aviation firefighting from the consultants final report, as well as tactics". the findings of deputy commissioner Ray Staff raised concerns about the motivations Johnson's review of the wider ACT government behind certain tactics. response, would be assessed and, where "[There was a] Heavy reliance in terms of appropriate, improvements made. what public wanted to see," the review was She said it would be inappropriate to told. provide further comment until the review had "Flying aircrafts at dangerously low heights been completed and findings discussed with should not have been allowed but risks were staff and volunteers. taken for a good news story." Mr Gentleman threw his support behind The review heard that there was no policy Commissioner Whelan. to manage staff fatigue, with some working 13 "She worked incredibly hard during the days in a row. bushfire season making difficult decisions that There were claims that thousands of dollars were witnessed by the entire Canberra com- worth of equipment went missing and finances munity and she has my continued support," were not "appropriately managed". Food he said. delivered to crews was "not nutritious" and Mr Gentleman said it was important that cutlery wasn't provided, the review heard. lessons were learnt from the fire season. He said the voice of volunteers and staff were The staff did make some positive comments, "crucial", adding that it was important that including that preparatory work on the land everyone had a chance to express their views in was "fantastic". The Rural Fire Service took on a safe and supportive way. more responsibility when the ACT fires hit, the He said the appointment of Ray Johnson, review heard. a former ACT police chief, to the new deputy The ACT Rural Fire Service has just 12 paid commissioner role was a "key first step" in staff, including the chief officer, according to responding to the summer's events. annual report figures. The Canberra Times s He did not respond to questions on whether has not established how many staff members he had been previously aware of the concerns provided feedback to the review. raised in the review, and if so, whether he had 'She has my continued support' taken steps to address them. The Canberra Times sought responses to the allegations from the agency and commissioner Whelan. The agency provided an email statement in

02 JUN, 2020 Fire agency's culture of 'blame and shame'

Canberra Times, Canberra Page 5 of 7

WHAT THEY SAID Claims made by Rural Fire Service staff during an internal review into the ESA’s handling of Canberra’s bushfire season People afraid to speak up for fear“ of being berated in front of peers which lead to decision making paralysis at all levels below IC [incident controller] ” Process and plans that were prepared“ prior were not followed when the actual incident occurred ” “ Role creep at all levels ” There was a prevalent idea that “communicating with community was a one-way communication ” “ Internal knowledge of RFS no longer valued ” “ No alignment between external and internal messaging ” Aviation operations always “under stress as they were operating at limit at most times from both number of aircrafts and number of personnel involved ” “ Blurred management lines ” “ Equipment has been misplaced worth thousands of dollars ” “ RFS is committed and driven but not appreciated within ESA ”

02 JUN, 2020 Fire agency's culture of 'blame and shame'

Canberra Times, Canberra Page 6 of 7

Emergency Services Minister Mick Gentleman (left), Chief Minister Andrew Barr (centre) and Emergency Services Agency Commissioner Georgeina Whelan provide an update during the fire emergency. Picture: Elesa Kurtz

02 JUN, 2020 Fire agency's culture of 'blame and shame'

Canberra Times, Canberra Page 7 of 7

Emergency Services Agency commissioner Georgeina Whelan. Picture: Karleen Minney

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06 JUN, 2020 ESA embers continue to smoulder

Canberra Times, Canberra Page 1 of 4 ESAemberscontinuetosmoulder The government is yet to lic servants are commenting on the specific allegations made in the review, which is yet address allegations about to be finalised. As such, questions remained unanswered the ESA's management of about what really transpired during the response to Canberra's summer emergencies. the crisis over the summer. 'Not just disgruntled volunteers' Concerns about the handling of the fire DAN season were first aired publicly in mid February. JERVIS-BARDY With the Orroral Valley still burning through Namadgi National Park, disgruntled EMERGENCY Services Agency Commis- volunteer firefighters spoke out about being sioner Georgeina Whelan described it as treated as "second-class citizens" at the "Summergeddon". height of the emergency response. The start of 2020 brought bushfire smoke, They complained about the preferential a freak hailstorm and two fire emergencies; treatment of Parks and Conservation Service the second scorching through more than a staff, the management of shifts and the age third of the territory's land mass. and safety of their vehicles. The very different crises which emerged soon after, the twin health and economic Brigade captains reacted furiously to a emergencies triggered by the COVID-19 ban on the use of lights and sirens while pandemic, have proven so all-consuming driving to emergencies, arguing it was that the black summer seems far more "impracticable, unworkable and failed to distant than it should. meet community expectations". But the events of January and early Feb- Volunteers also expressed frustration at ruary have been thrust back into the public being barred from crossing the border to spotlight this week. help fight fires in NSW. A leaked internal review of the summer Commissioner Georgeina Whelan's season detailed claims that a culture of refusal to release crews to fight the Clear "blame and shame" existed inside ESA head- Range fire near Bredbo triggered one the quarters, causing decision-making paralysis flashpoints in the fracturing of the relation- at all but the most senior levels of command. ship between volunteers and the agency; a It revealed serious concerns about the lack heated meeting at Rivers RFS which ended of planning for aerial firefighting operations, after the commissioner angrily stormed out the mismanagement of resources and the of the Cotter Road fire shed. absence of a policy to manage weary staff. After that incident, Commissioner Questions were raised about Defence's Whelan and the now-retired Rural Fire role as the crisis unfolded in January. The Service chief officer Joe Murphy acknowl- review heard claims that public messaging edged the soured relationship with sections at the height of the emergency overstated of the volunteer membership. But Murphy, the severity of the situation, causing the in particular, was adamant it was only a public to panic. small, vocal minority of volunteers who were The agency and the ACT government have discontented. backed the bushfire response, with Chief Many of the frustrations and allegations Minister Andrew Barr pointing to the fact no the volunteers expressed over summer were lives or homes were lost in the territory as repeated in feedback to the agency's "after the measure of its overwhelming success. action review". The new details, including However, neither the politicians nor pub- that volunteers considered walking off the

06 JUN, 2020 ESA embers continue to smoulder

Canberra Times, Canberra Page 2 of 4

Orroral Valley fireground in disgust at what inside agency headquarters, Rural Fire Ser- they perceived as mistreatment, served to vice staff also raised concerns in the review reaffirm an entrenched narrative. about decision-making during the crisis, What was truly revealing about the leaked particularly as it related to aerial firefighting. report was that it showed volunteers were People were expected to perform roles not alone in harbouring concerns about the despite having no experience in aerial handling of the summer crisis. firefighting, they said. They claimed there The most serious allegations aired inthe was almost no planning for aerial opera- review were made not by cranky volunteers, tions, despite it being the primary tactic in but by paid professionals working inside the firefight. ACT Rural Fire Service headquarters. It is a Most alarmingly, they said planes took small team, too - just 11 employees, plus a risks to fly at "dangerously low heights" be- chief officer, according to the latest annual cause it would make for a "good news story". report figures. The Rural Fire Service staff who provided Their "observations", as they were feedback to the review did make some described in the internal review, painted a positive observations, praising the land disturbing image of the culture inside the management work as well as their own team agency during the emergency. for taking on more responsibility amid the Staff described feeling afraid to speak emergency. But those slivers of positivity up for fear of being berated in front of their were few and far between. peers. No one stood up to the "unaccept- Commissioner Whelan earlier this year able behaviour" of Commissioner Whelan acknowledged the response to the summer because they worried they might lose their emergencies was not perfect. But it was jobs, the review was told. nevertheless an overwhelming success. Commissioner Whelan hasn't responded "We didn't lose critical infrastructure, we publicly to the allegations made in the did not lose the urban/rural interface, we review. But the ex-military officer has been did not lose life, we had very minor injuries," upfront in the past about her forthright she said at the time. leadership style. "There were a lot of firsts this season. By In an exclusive interview with The Can- no means were we perfect, but we did pretty berra Times earlier this year, she admitted good for the number of concurrent firsts that to "driving her team crazy" with the level of we had over a seven-week period." preparedness she demanded. ■ Continued Page 43 She said her colleagues were just that - colleagues, not friends. Conversations were frank and direct. Staff were "challenged". Aside from alleged cultural problems

06 JUN, 2020 ESA embers continue to smoulder

Canberra Times, Canberra Page 3 of 4

WhatreallyhappenedduringtheACT'shorrorsummer? ■ From Page 19 Amid the media storm, the ACT govern- ra Times only obtained feedback from ACT ment is standing firm in its support for the Rural Service staff and volunteers. It's not agency. Mr Barr pivoted to warmly praising known what members of the SES, the Parks the agency, in particular Commissioner and Conservation Service or ACT Fire and Whelan, whenever he was asked this week Rescue made of the handling of the crisis. about the claims made in the review. The leaked review, which reads as a series He was, it must be noted, echoing a sen- of dot points, does not disclose the names or timent felt by many Canberrans over sum- the number of respondents. As such, it's diffi- mer. Commissioner Whelan's profile and cult to glean how representative the feedback popularity soared in tandem with January's is of the views of the wider staff and volun- threats. The ACT's first female commissioner teer ranks. But nobody is disputing that there was seen as a calm and reassuring figure as are tensions. the unprecedented chain of events unfolded. Acting ACT Rural Fire Service chief officer But four days on since The Canberra Times Rohan Scott has condemned the leaking of broke the story, neither Mr Barr, the minister the internal review in an open letter to mem- in charge of the agency or the agency itself bers, accusing a small number of unnamed have commented publicly on the specific al- individuals of seeking to damage the reputa- legations. Canberrans are none the wiser as tion of service, and warning bad behaviour to whether those in charge think the claims would no longer be tolerated. are concerning or baseless, or somewhere The feedback provided to the "after action in between. review" has now been handed to a consultant The official government position is thatit for independent assessment. New Emergen- would be inappropriate to comment while cy Service Agency deputy commissioner thereviewisongoing.Theagencyhas,how- Ray Johnson, whose role was created in the ever, maintained that it always endeavored wake of the summer fire season, has been to work in a "safe, legally compliant and tasked with evaluating the whole-of-govern- financially responsible" way and welcomed ment response. chances to "reflect and improve". An ACT Legislative Assembly inquiry has It has also sought to clarify the context in been launched into Canberra's bushfire which the explosive allegations were made. season, while the royal commission into The feedback was provided in open feedback Australia's black summer is well under way. sessions which relied on the honesty of their The inquiries present opportunities to participants. probe the serious accusations revealed this The agency has held 38 workshops with week. There is no time to waste. The break The Canber- those involved in the response. between Australia's ever-worsening fire seasons has never been shorter.

06 JUN, 2020 ESA embers continue to smoulder

Canberra Times, Canberra Page 4 of 4

A rural fire crew watches as a water-bombing helicopter attacks the Orroral Valley bushfire. Picture: Sitthixay Ditthavong

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02 JUN, 2020 Fire messaging caused 'more panic'

Canberra Times, Canberra Page 1 of 1 Fire messaging caused 'more panic'

mixed-messages regarding Dan Jervis-Bardy ences and constant updates personnel in Canberra's on social media. southern suburbs created evacuations. They told the PUBLIC messaging during As the Orroral Valley stress, according to the review that there had been the height of Canberra's fire threatened to burn volunteers, who claimed "complete messaging satura- summer fire emergency into Canberra's southern that people were evacuating tion" on social media. "overstated the situation" suburbs in late January, the their homes unnecessarily. The Rural Fire Service and helped to create "more agency held community "Public communication raised concerns about the panic than there should briefings and coordinated caused panic and overstat- handling of communica- have been", according to the door-knocking of homes ed the situation in some tions when Chief Minister volunteer firefighters. in Tuggeranong. circumstances," they told AndrewBarrdeclaredthe The Emergency Services But in their feedback to the review. "Generally there "state of alert" on January 2. Agency, led by Commis- the agency's "after action was more panic than there In an interview with The sioner Georgeina Whelan, review" of the bushfire sea- should have been." Canberra Times earlier this received public praise for son, ACT Rural Fire Service Rural Fire Service staff year, Commissioner Whelan their communication with brigade representatives said told the review that public said the agency had struck the community during the messaging heightened messaging during the ACT the right balance in its ap- the crisis, which included the public's anxiety. fires was good overall. proach to public messaging almost daily media confer- The presence of Defence But staff recalled during the emergency.

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31 MAY, 2020 Firefighters deserve equal treatment

Sunday Canberra Times, Canberra Page 1 of 1

EDITORIAL Firefighters deserve equal treatment

IT WILL be hard to forget the fires which eligibility for compensation in the event they raged through the long, hot and destructive develop a cancer for which they are deemed summer. They burned through millions of at risk. The ACT government has signalled hectares, killed 33 people and destroyed their support to include volunteers in the thousands of homes and properties. Smoke Commonwealth scheme, which would be a killed hundreds more. Throughout that- pe step in the right direction. NSW's volunteers riod, which in some areas began well before were granted broader coverage under the summer, committed volunteer firefighters scheme in 2018. stayed on the front lines despite difficult and While calls for expanded compensation dangerous conditions. As the summer raged provisions are welcome - and acknowledge on, the volunteers stayed dedicated, often at the shared risks in all types of firefighting - considerable personal cost. prevention measures ought also to be imple- With a warming climate expected to make mented. The initial outlay on P3 masks for the summer of 2019-20 seem cool in years volunteers would be a considerable expense, to come, the role for volunteer firefighters but that tally should pale in comparison to will only expand. They are often the first the human cost of avoidable cancer. defence against catastrophe marching into Volunteer firefighters, who will continue Australia's urban fringes. todedicateevergreaterperiodsoftimeto The Sunday Canberra Times today fighting fires in longer and hotter bushfire reports the story of a volunteer firefighter's seasons, must be afforded the same rights widow who used a compensation payout and protections as their professional to purchase full-face P3 masks for his old counterparts.

brigade. Amelia Maria's husband, Michael Maria, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, a cancer linked to smoke inhala- tion and exposure to chemicals released in fires, in 2012. Mr Maria had been a volunteer firefighter in Queanbeyan and his death in 2013 was acknowledged by the NSW Rural Fire Service as a result of his service. The new masks, although expensive, should dramatically limit the Queanbeyan brigade's exposure to the harmful chemicals

which likely caused Mr Maria's illness. This type of mask - which protects the whole face - had already been made available to 400 paid NSW firefighters, but not volunteers. The ACT's professional firefighters also have them, but the volunteers do not. The type of mask issued to firefighters varies by jurisdiction and status, but the hazards firefighters face - and the toxins released by fires - are the same nationwide. A firefighter's status also determines their

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02 JUN, 2020 Frustrated firies considered walking off fireground

Canberra Times, Canberra Page 1 of 1

Frustrated firies considered walking off fireground

volunteer ranks, with senior Dan Jervis-Bardy firefighters describing how VOLUNTEER firefighters they felt like "second-class considered walking off the citizens" on the fireground. Orroral Valley fireground Commissioner Whelan in because they felt "so disre- February said she believed spected", a leaked review the volunteers' frustration into Canberra's fire season was a product of the relative- was told. ly "narrow" role of the ACT In feedback to the agency's Rural Fire Service in actively "after action review" into the fighting fires. summer emergency, sen- In evidence to the "after ior volunteers claimed that action review", volunteers Emergency Services Agency described a breakdown in Commissioner Georgeina their relationship with the Whelan favoured Parks and agency's Incident Manage- Conservation Service (PCS) ment Team, which was over- over crews from rural fire seeing the response. service brigades. Volunteers said they The volunteers' frustration "lacked confidence in the reached a flashpoint on Feb- [agency's] command struc- ruary 7, as the Orroral Valley ture", complaining that de- fire continued to burn out of cisions were taken too slowly control in Namadgi National and then not properly com- Park. municated. "There was potential that "People couldn't fight the the RFS was going to walk off way they were trained be- the fireground as they were y cause something changed in so disrespected on site," the volunteers told the review. the IMT and the trust broke "Morale was at an all time down between the brigades low and individuals were in- and the ACT IMT,"the review tensely frustrated." was told. In another sign of the tense The Emergency Servic- relationship between the es Agency has described two divisions, volunteers re- comments in the review as among the "honest and un- called how they were called edited" feedback provided to respond to the Hospital Farmer Brett Povey during workshops with vol- watches the fire Hill fire in early January, only unteers and staff in the wake to be "stood down" by parks approach. Picture: of the fire season, which was Sitthixay Ditthavong and conservation. the ACT's worst since 2003. "PCS told RFS crews mul- The agency said it was "ex- tiple times that they had a tremely proud" of its efforts lack of experience and didn't in keeping Canberrans safe let them help fight fires," the and informed during the review heard. summer emergency. The Canberra Times earlier this year reported on the frustrations inside the

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04 JUN, 2020 'Lack of collaboration' interstate

Canberra Times, Canberra Page 1 of 3 'Lackofcollaboration'interstate Lucy Bladen the first half of the month, with the Adaminaby Com- ACT Rural Fire Service staff plex fire coming within 1.6 have said they and the Emer- kilometres of the border. gency Services Agency were On January 23, the Beard thought to be "considered fire threatened homes arrogant" as they claimed in Oaks Estate and west information was not shared with interstate agencies, Queanbeyan and a few days according to feedback from after the Orroral Valley fire a leaked document. was ignited in Namadgi Feedback provided to National Park. the agency's "after action Spot fires from the Orroral review" from ACT RFS staff Valley blaze crossed over into the recent bushfire to NSW on January 31. The season claimed there was a fire became known as the "lack of collaboration" with Clear Range fire and there agencies over the border. were 12 homes destroyed Comments pointed to in the Bumbalong area and in Colinton. the ACT's online bushfire The review said before map, which did not show the January 2, when a state of surrounding areas of NSW as alert was declared, ACT an example. RFS volunteers were being ACT RFS volunteers also "actively used" by the NSW expressed there was "repu- RFS and "morale was high tational damage" to territory and crews were keen". crews due to "bad prioritisa- tion and coordination". It said ACT crews would be heading to fight fires in NSW but were redirected back to fight fires in the territory with no communication about the change. Feedback from the ACT volunteers said NSW would be left without resources they were expecting. The agency's internal review was leaked to The Canberra Times earlier this week. The review marked "draft for discussion" was based on 38 workshops held with volunteers and staff at the agency. Fires burned near the ACT and NSW for most of January. Several fires burned to the west of the territory in

04 JUN, 2020 'Lack of collaboration' interstate

Canberra Times, Canberra Page 2 of 3

But volunteers also ly had an excellent working sharing of information". and response," the spokes- said there were no fatigue relationship" with the ACT Likewise, there was a liasion man said. management processes in RFS management and crews. officer from the ACT in the "Information shared place and "crews weren't The spokesman said crews NSW RFS State Operations between the two agencies conserved" should a fire worked together on the Or- Centre. included incident action have occurred in the ACT. roral Valley and Clear Range "The NSW RFS and ACT plans, line scan imagery, fire The NSW RFS did not fires and the NSW RFS ESA have a memorandum prediction maps and public respond directly to the com- placed a liaison officer in of understanding which messaging." ments made in the report details how both agencies the ACT Emergency Services The Emergency Services but a spokesman said the will work together in respect Agency Incident Control Agency was asked about NSW agency has "historical- to bushfire preparedness Centre to ensure a "timely the allegations made by

04 JUN, 2020 'Lack of collaboration' interstate

Canberra Times, Canberra Page 3 of 3

staff and volunteers around cross-border communication. The agency is refusing to comment on specific allegations while the review is ongoing. A spokeswoman instead pointed to the original statement of response from the agency which said "it would be inappropriate" for the agency to comment until the review was completed.

The Clear Range fire in NSW. The fire was ignited after ember attacks from the Orroral Valley fire. Picture: Sitthixay Ditthavong

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04 JUN, 2020 Acting RFS chief condemns leaking of damaging review

Canberra Times, Canberra Page 1 of 2

BUSHFIRE Firies boss calls out 'divisive behaviour' Acting RFS chief condemns leaking of damaging review

Kathryn Lewis, Dan Jervis-Bardy Without naming any individuals, Chief Of- ficer Scott suggested there was a small num- THE acting head of the ACT Rural Fire Ser- ber of volunteers who appeared to be seeking vice has condemned the leaking of a dam- to damage the reputation of the service. aging internal review of Canberra's bushfire "Degradation through a public forum does season, as he accused a small group of indi- not enhance the service and its members, or viduals of seeking to "damage the good repu- the stature of the individuals engaging in this tation of the service". divisive behaviour," he said in the letter. Acting Chief Officer Rohan Scott circulated "It ultimately harms all parties and only an open letter to rural fire service members The Canberra Times' serves to diminish the good reputation of the in the wake of reports service as a whole in the community." on the leaked "after action review", which Acting Chief Officer Scott said he had contained explosive allegations from staff and volunteers about the handling of the cri- seen a number of staff and volunteers leave sis and the behavior of senior officials. the ACT Rural Fire Service in recent times Staff told the review that "blame and because of the behaviour of a small group of shame" behaviour was prevalent inside members. agency headquarters. Volunteers said they "For the good of the service, I will no longer considered walking off the Orroral Valley tolerate this behaviour," he said. fireground because they felt disrespected. He strongly encouraged others to call out In the letter, which was obtained by The any disruptive or damaging behaviour. Canberra Times, acting Chief Officer Scott "If a member is so against the direction said the leaking of the internal document im- that the RFS is taking to grow, for the benefit peded the privacy of members who provided of the service, its members and the commu- feedback to the review. nity, I would question whether they really The review process only worked if partici- belong," he said. pants felt comfortable to express their honest "We all need to be open to improvement. views, he said, noting that some participants "Constantly looking back and engaging in were angry their personal observations were a vicious cycle of conflict and angst does not now the subject of media reports. help the service evolve in a way that allows it Chief Officer Scott said reporting onthe to fully meet the complexities of future fire- internal review was the latest in a series of fighting." negative media reports regarding the rural Acting Chief Officer Scott, who described fire service. himself as a "volunteer at heart", said if mem- He referenced other recent reports in bers had concerns they should raise them which firefighters had been quoted speak- with him. ing out about their concerns, including on "Some of the issues that have appeared compensation payments and respiratory in the past week have come to my attention protection. through the media with no opportunity to

04 JUN, 2020 Acting RFS chief condemns leaking of damaging review

Canberra Times, Canberra Page 2 of 2

address in advance or respond," he said. "We need to start conversations at the lowest level before escalating, working full through the proper channels."

RFS acting Chief Officer Rohan Scott. Picture: Elesa Kurtz

Licensed by Copyright Agency. You may only copy or communicate this work with a licence. 417 418 419 420 421 422 423 424 425 426 427

ESA Media Enquiry Date received: 28/05/20 Response date: 29/05/20

Requested by:

Journalist,

Question/s:

I have obtained copies of documents which form part of the After Action Review into the summer bushfire season.

I have two reports - one with feedback from RSF HQ and the other with feedback from RFS Brigades. The documents are noted "draft for discussion", so it is clear they do not represent the final report. Nevertheless, there are serious matters raised in the reports which warrant public scrutiny.

If you could provide responses to the following by 4pm on Friday that would be appreciated. Please take note of who each of the questions is directed to.

ESA • Can you confirm that the Emergency Services Agency contracted an external consultant to conduct an After Action Review of the 2019-2020 fire season? What was the name of the consultant? Has that review been completed? • As part of that process, can you confirm that representatives from RFS HQ and RFS Brigades took part in a workshop, in which they provided "observations" on the summer fire season (under the headings of; 'What did you intend? What happened? What went well? What can we improve?) • How many RFS HQ staff participated in this review?

COMISSIONER WHELAN • The report which drew on the observations of RFS HQ staff included a number of allegations about the behaviour of the Emergency Controller (Commissioner Whelan). This included the allegations of "unacceptable comments and behaviour from EC". It also noted that "no one stood up to the unacceptable behaviour, for fear of losing their jobs). In their feedback, the RFS staff spoke of "blame and shame" behaviour being prevalent inside the agency in the early part of January. Commissioner, how do you respond to these allegations? • The same report includes observations about the ESA's management of the Orroral Valley fire. Among the observations were that there was a "heavy reliance in terms of what public wanted to see. Flying aircrafts at dangerously low heights should not have been allowed but risks were taken for a good news story." Is this true? If so, how do you explain such actions? • The same section of the report states that there was a "misalignment between proportion of planning effort and corresponding aviation fire-fighting activities. Almost 90% of firefighting effort was aviation based but less than 0.1% planning was undertaken on aviation firefighting tactics. People were performing roles in which they did not have experience in terms of aviation". How do you explain this response? Can you provide assurances that appropriately qualified and experienced officers were involved in the aviation fire-fighting activities? • The RFS HQ report includes observations about the involvement of the ADF. Feedback includes: "In summary, arrival of ADF did not help". Commissioner, do you share this view? • The RFS report includes observations about financial management. Feedback includes: "Operational expense not appropriately managed. There is a lack of accountability in finance

Page 1 of 2 428

management." Commissioner, how do you respond to these allegations?

MINISTER GENTLEMAN • To Minister Gentleman, what knowledge did you have of the matters raised in the RFS HQ report? Did you first learn about them upon reading the report? Or did you have prior knowledge? If so, what steps, if any, did you take to address the matters raised, including the behaviour of the EC?

Response requirements Operational/Non-operational: For response by: Deadline to ESA Media: Non-operational ESA spokesperson JACS Media:

Proposed Response Hi Please see the below response, attributable to an ESA spokesperson.

Is input required from another Directorate? No. If yes, which Directorate will lead approvals? N/A

Action officer: Isabel McCormick Date: 28 May 2020 Cleared by: Assistant Director, Public Information Director, Public Information & Engagement Chief Officer, ACTRFS Commissioner, ESA Deputy Director-General, Community Safety MPES office.

Page 2 of 2 429

DRAFT ESA RESPONSE

• During the 2019-20 bushfire season – a season that took lives and left a trail of destruction across Australia – Canberrans remained informed and safe. • The ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA) is extremely proud of this achievement, and the efforts of all volunteers and staff who contributed to this outcome. This includes the ESA Commissioner, Georgeina Whelan, who made a commitment to the ACT community to keep them informed so that they could make appropriate decisions regarding their safety. • The ESA always strives to undertake operations in a way that is safe, legally compliant and financially responsible. • The ESA has already commenced a thorough review process of the bushfire season. More than 38 workshops have been undertaken with volunteers and staff. • “Draft for discussion” documents collected from all areas of the Agency have been provided to an external consultant, who this week has commenced a process to analyse the honest and unedited feedback received from volunteers and staff as part of the evaluation process. • In addition to the independent review, recently appointed ESA Deputy Commissioner, Ray Johnson, is also conducting a review of the whole of government response to the 2019-20 bushfire season. • All matters raised through the review process, the external consultant’s report, and Mr Johnson’s review will be analysed, and where necessary actions will be put in place for future improvements. • The ESA welcomes any opportunity to reflect and improve on its performance. This process will also include the consideration of recommendations made from the ACT Legislative Assembly’s Justice and Community Safety Committee Inquiry, and the Australian Government’s Royal Commission. • The internal After-Action Review process only works if volunteers and staff are comfortable to express their views and experiences in a safe and supportive environment. Discussing It is unhelpful that a document titled asa “draft for discussion” document in the media has been made public at this early stage of the review iworks against this approachn the review process. • It would be inappropriate for the ESA to comment further through the media until the review process is complete and the Agency has had the opportunity to discuss the outcomes with its volunteers and staff.

430

WED 10 JUNE 2020 After Action Review Media Mentions

Executive summary Media mentions relating to the leaked after action review documents

The ACT Volunteer Brigades Association states Canberra's rural firefighters feel like ... ABC Radio Canberra, Canberra, 12:00 News, Newsreader 28 May 2020 12:02 PM Duration: 0 min 46 secs • ASR AUD 259 • ACT • Australia • Community Safety - Broadcast • ID: X00082995436 The ACT Volunteer Brigades Association states Canberra's rural firefighters feel like yesterday's heroes after delays in receiving compensation for their service fighting this summer's bushfires. The ACT Emergency Services Agency is managing the Federal Government's compensation scheme but no payments have been made despite the fact that three months have passed since the fires were extinguished.

Audience 9,000 All, 4,000 MALE 16+, 5,000 FEMALE 16+ Interviewees John-Paul Romano, President, ACT Volunteer Brigades Association Also broadcast from the following 1 station Radio National (Canberra)

AFTER THE FIRE Sunday Canberra Times, Canberra, General News, Alex Crowe 31 May 2020

Page 1 • 1097 words • ASR AUD 12,542 • Photo: Yes • Type: News Item • Size: 1,731.00 cm² • ACT • Australia • Community Safety - Press • ID: 1282329053

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DISCLAIMER Isentia makes no representations and, to the extent permitted by law, excludes all warranties in relation to the information contained in the report and is not liable for any losses, costs or expenses, resulting from any use or misuse of the report. 431

Fire messaging caused 'more panic' Canberra Times, Canberra, General News, Dan Jervis-Bardy 02 Jun 2020

Page 5 • 257 words • ASR AUD 935 • Photo: No • Type: News Item • Size: 147.00 cm² • ACT • Australia • Community Safety - Press • ID: 1282900836

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Frustrated firies considered walking off fireground Canberra Times, Canberra, General News, Dan Jervis-Bardy 02 Jun 2020

Page 4 • 388 words • ASR AUD 1,514 • Photo: Yes • Type: News Item • Size: 238.00 cm² • ACT • Australia • Community Safety - Press • ID: 1282900833

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COPYRIGHT For the internal research use of Mediaportal subscribers only. Not to be provided to any third party for any purpose without the express permission of Isentia. For further information contact [email protected] 432

Fire agency's culture of 'blame and shame' Canberra Times, Canberra, General News, Dan Jervis-Bardy 02 Jun 2020

Page 1 • 1830 words • ASR AUD 12,315 • Photo: Yes • Type: News Item • Size: 1,936.00 cm² • ACT • Australia • Community Safety - Press • ID: 1282900761

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Bushfire review: 'Intensely frustrated" volunteers considered walking off Orroral Valley fireground Canberra Times by Dan Jervis-Bardy 02 Jun 2020 4:00 AM 500 words • ASR AUD 358 • Community Safety - Online News • ID: 1282955093

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Leaked bushfire review details explosive claims about Emergency Service Agency commissioner and handling of fire crisis Canberra Times by Dan Jervis-Bardy 02 Jun 2020 4:00 AM 1530 words • ASR AUD 1,078 • Community Safety - Online News • ID: 1282955085

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Audience 71,891 UNIQUE DAILY VISITORS, 768 AVERAGE STORY AUDIENCE

Bushfire review: Public messaging "overstated" during bushfire emergency Canberra Times by Dan Jervis-Bardy 02 Jun 2020 4:00 AM 446 words • ASR AUD 343 • Community Safety - Online News • ID: 1282955097

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Audience 71,891 UNIQUE DAILY VISITORS, 768 AVERAGE STORY AUDIENCE

Canberra bushfire crisis revelations cannot be ignored Canberra Times by Dan Jervis-Bardy 02 Jun 2020 1:26 PM 483 words • ASR AUD 342 • Community Safety - Online News • ID: 1283176063

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Audience 71,891 UNIQUE DAILY VISITORS, 768 AVERAGE STORY AUDIENCE

A leak review has revealed damaging allegations on infighting at the Emergency Services ... 2CC, Canberra, 15:00 News, Newsreader 02 Jun 2020 3:00 PM Duration: 0 min 37 secs • ASR AUD 82 • ACT • Australia • Community Safety - Broadcast • ID: X00083027576 A leak review has revealed damaging allegations on infighting at the Emergency Services Agency of the ACT. RFS staff were also reportedly told to fly an air craft at dangerously low levels to make a good news story during the bush fires. According to the review, staff could not stand up to Commissioner Georgina Whelan for fear of losing their positions. Emergency Services Minister Mick Gentleman has stood by the ESA and Whelan.

Audience 5,000 All, 3,000 MALE 16+, 1,000 FEMALE 16+ Also broadcast from the following 1 station 2CA (Canberra)

Delaney says the details of an internal review into the Emergency Services Agency's ... 2CC, Canberra, Canberra Live, Leon Delaney 02 Jun 2020 3:08 PM Duration: 0 min 32 secs • ASR AUD 28 • ACT • Australia • Community Safety - Broadcast • ID: X00083030767 Delaney says the details of an internal review into the Emergency Services Agency's handling of the summer bushfire crisis have been leaked.

Audience 2,000 All, 1,000 MALE 16+, N/A FEMALE 16+

Interview with ACT Volunteer Brigades Association president John-Paul Romano. ... 2CC, Canberra, Canberra Live, Leon Delaney 02 Jun 2020 4:34 PM Duration: 10 mins 11 secs • ASR AUD 542 • ACT • Australia • Community Safety - Broadcast • ID: X00083030213 Interview with ACT Volunteer Brigades Association president John-Paul Romano. Delaney states Canberra Times is reporting that a leaked internal review into Canberra's bushfire season has detailed claims about the Emergency Service Agency's handling of the recent bushfire season. Romano says their volunteers are highly-trained professionals and they want to be respected and given the same rights and entitlements that their paid colleagues have. He notes they are hoping for a culture change within the ESA. Romano states there's an ACT Parliamentary inquiry coming up that will expose some failings and will determine areas they can improve. He calls on the ACT Government to conduct a coronial investigation over the 2019-20 bushfire season in the territory.

Audience 2,000 All, 1,000 MALE 16+, N/A FEMALE 16+ Interviewees John-Paul Romano, President, ACT Volunteer Brigades Association Mentions Australasian Interagency Emergency Management System [sic]|Georgeina Whelan, ESA Commissioner|Joe Murphy, ACT Rural Fire Service Chief Officer|Ray Johnson, ESA Deputy Commissioner

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr has refused to be drawn into comments from the review ... ABC Radio Canberra, Canberra, 17:00 News, Newsreader 02 Jun 2020 5:02 PM Duration: 0 min 39 secs • ASR AUD 77 • ACT • Australia • Community Safety - Broadcast • ID: X00083028400 ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr has refused to be drawn into comments from the review into the Emergency Services Agency's handling of the bushfire season. Barr says an internal review is still underway.

Audience 5,000 All, 3,000 MALE 16+, 2,000 FEMALE 16+ Interviewees Andrew Barr, ACT Chief Minister

Senior firefighter pours cold water on leaked bushfire document The RiotACT by Michael Weaver 02 Jun 2020 5:50 PM 1162 words • ASR AUD 840 • Community Safety - Online News • ID: 1283196242 Read on source site

Audience 6,141 UNIQUE DAILY VISITORS, 740 AVERAGE STORY AUDIENCE

Leaked documents have revealed anger over the role played by the Rural Fire Service. ... ABC, Canberra, ABC News, Dan Bourchier 02 Jun 2020 7:12 PM Duration: 2 mins 31 secs • ASR AUD 2,008 • ACT • Australia • Community Safety - Broadcast • ID: X00083029672 Leaked documents have revealed anger over the role played by the Rural Fire Service. The Emergency Services Agency is conducting a review into how the bushfires were managed. Fears were also raised that planes were being flown dangerously low. The doorknocking of homes in Canberra's south was also criticised, as it brought unnecessary fear and panic.

Audience 14,000 All, 7,000 MALE 16+, 7,000 FEMALE 16+ Interviewees Andrew Barr, ACT Chief Minister|Kevin Jeffery, President, Tharwa Community Association|Neil Cooper, ACT Parks and Conservation

Leaked documents have revealed anger over the role played by the Rural Fire Service in ... ABC News, Sydney, ABC National News, Karina Carvalho 02 Jun 2020 7:45 PM Duration: 2 mins 28 secs • ASR AUD 6,609 • National • Australia • Community Safety - Broadcast • ID: X00083030879 Leaked documents have revealed anger over the role played by the Rural Fire Service in the ACT during the summer bushfires. The Emergency Services Agency is conducting a review into how the bushfires were managed. There were complaints within the RFS about how the organisation was sidelined and damning critiques of the ESA's leadership style, particularly that of Commissioner Georgeina Whelan. The review also revealed RFS leadership was not being listened to.

Audience 47,000 All, 24,000 MALE 16+, 21,000 FEMALE 16+ Interviewees Andrew Barr, ACT Chief Minister|Kevin Jeffery, President, Tharwa Community Association|Neil Cooper, ACT Parks and Conservation Also broadcast from the following 10 stations ABC News (Melbourne), ABC News (Regional NSW), ABC News (Brisbane), ABC News (Adelaide), ABC News (Perth), ABC News (Regional Queensland), ABC News (Hobart), ABC News (Canberra), ABC News (Regional Victoria), ABC News (Regional West Australia)

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr will not weigh in on leaked claims by Emergency ... Southern Cross ACT, Canberra, News Update, Emma Larouche 02 Jun 2020 7:19 PM Duration: 0 min 24 secs • ASR AUD 239 • ACT • Australia • Community Safety - Broadcast • ID: X00083029724 ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr will not weigh in on leaked claims by Emergency Services staff concerned about the handling of Canberra’s disastrous bushfire season.

Audience 16,000 All, 8,000 MALE 16+, 7,000 FEMALE 16+ Interviewees Andrew Barr, Chief Minister, ACT

Brigades call for changes post-review Canberra Times, Canberra, General News, Dan Jervis-Bardy 03 Jun 2020

Page 5 • 395 words • ASR AUD 1,444 • Photo: No • Type: News Item • Size: 227.00 cm² • ACT • Australia • Community Safety - Press • ID: 1283352795

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Bushfire revelations cannot be ignored Canberra Times, Canberra, General News, Dan Jervis-Bardy 03 Jun 2020

Page 4 • 329 words • ASR AUD 1,209 • Photo: No • Type: News Item • Size: 190.00 cm² • ACT • Australia • Community Safety - Press • ID: 1283352579

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Defence no help in fires Canberra Times, Canberra, General News, Dan Jervis-Bardy; Dan Jervis-Bardy 03 Jun 2020

Page 1 • 794 words • ASR AUD 4,465 • Photo: Yes • Type: News Item • Size: 702.00 cm² • ACT • Australia • Community Safety - Press • ID: 1283352533

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Lessons from summer fires can't be lost in the fallout from coronavirus Canberra Times, Canberra, General News, Andrew Leigh 03 Jun 2020

Page 18 • 786 words • ASR AUD 3,174 • Photo: Yes • Type: News Item • Size: 499.00 cm² • ACT • Australia • Community Safety - Press • ID: 1283352263

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'Did not help': RFS question Defence's involvement in Canberra bushfires Canberra Times by Dan Jervis-Bardy 03 Jun 2020 12:00 AM 540 words • ASR AUD 401 • Community Safety - Online News • ID: 1283357213

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A leaked review found damaging allegations of infighting at the ACT Emergency Services ... 2CC, Canberra, 05:30 News 03 Jun 2020 5:31 AM Duration: 0 min 56 secs • ASR AUD 75 • ACT • Australia • Community Safety - Broadcast • ID: X00083031447 A leaked review found damaging allegations of infighting at the ACT Emergency Services Agency. RFS staff were told to fly an aircraft at dangerously low levels to make a good news story during recent bush fires. Staff would not stand up to Commissioner Georgeina Whelan for fear of losing their jobs. Emergency Services Minister Mick Gentleman has stood by the ESA and Whelan. ACT RFS Volunteer Brigades Association president John-Paul Romano says some volunteer firefighters considered walking off the fire ground.

Audience 3,000 All, 2,000 MALE 16+, 1,000 FEMALE 16+ Interviewees John-Paul Romano, president, ACT RFS Volunteer Brigades Association Also broadcast from the following 1 station 2CA (Canberra)

A day after internal concerns from the Rural Fire Service about how the Emergency ... ABC Radio Canberra, Canberra, 06:30 News, Newsreader 03 Jun 2020 6:31 AM Duration: 0 min 52 secs • ASR AUD 225 • ACT • Australia • Community Safety - Broadcast • ID: X00083031989 A day after internal concerns from the Rural Fire Service about how the Emergency Services Agency and its Commissioner Georgeina Whelan handled the ACT bushfire season were leaked to the media, a letter from the ESA to RFS members has also been leaked. In the letter, Acting ESA Chief Officer Rowan Scott says he's seen volunteers leave brigades due to poor treatment from some volunteers, and he'll no longer tolerate such behaviour. He also expressed concerns over leaks to the media, saying he's fully aware of concerns that have arisen from the bushfire season, and encourages members with problems to speak with him face to face.

Audience 11,000 All, 6,000 MALE 16+, 5,000 FEMALE 16+

A leaked document has emerged from the dispute between the Emergency Services ... ABC Radio Canberra, Canberra, 07:00 News, Newsreader 03 Jun 2020 7:02 AM Duration: 0 min 50 secs • ASR AUD 216 • ACT • Australia • Community Safety - Broadcast • ID: X00083032301 A leaked document has emerged from the dispute between the Emergency Services Agency and the Rural Fire Service over the handling of the bushfire season. It has showed that some RFS volunteers felt disrespected and accused the ESA of telling them to put themselves in danger to tell a better story for the media. ESA Commissioner Georgeina Whelan has also been accused of being a bully. RFS Acting Chief Officer Rohan Scott has criticised the leaking of the document to the media and defended the ESA. He says he has been aware of poor behaviour of a small number of volunteers in the past.

Audience 11,000 All, 6,000 MALE 16+, 5,000 FEMALE 16+

A day after internal concerns from the Rural Fire Service about how authorities and ESA ... ABC Radio Canberra, Canberra, 07:45 News, Newsreader 03 Jun 2020 7:48 AM Duration: 0 min 52 secs • ASR AUD 286 • ACT • Australia • Community Safety - Broadcast • ID: X00083034619 A day after internal concerns from the Rural Fire Service about how authorities and ESA Commissioner Georgeina Whelan handled the ACT bushfire season were leaked to the media, a letter from the Emergency Services Agency to RFS members has also been leaked. In the letter, RFS Acting Chief Officer Rohan Scott says volunteers leave brigades due to poor treatment from some volunteers and that he would no longer tolerate that behaviour. He has also encouraged members with problems to speak with him face to face.

Audience 14,000 All, 7,000 MALE 16+, 6,000 FEMALE 16+

A leaked Emergency Services Agency senior management letter has criticised RFS ... 2CC, Canberra, 15:00 News, Newsreader 03 Jun 2020 3:00 PM Duration: 0 min 27 secs • ASR AUD 60 • ACT • Australia • Community Safety - Broadcast • ID: X00083036395 A leaked Emergency Services Agency senior management letter has criticised RFS members looking to tarnish the reputation of the service. It follows leaked internal review documents raising concerns from RFS volunteers on the treatment of staff. According to ACT RFS acting chief officer Rohan Scott in the letter, degradation through public forums does not improve a service or its members.

Audience 5,000 All, 3,000 MALE 16+, 1,000 FEMALE 16+ Also broadcast from the following 1 station 2CA (Canberra)

ACT RFS acting chief officer Rohan Scott has warned members he will no longer tolerate ... ABC, Canberra, ABC News, Dan Bourchier 03 Jun 2020 7:18 PM Duration: 0 min 31 secs • ASR AUD 412 • ACT • Australia • Community Safety - Broadcast • ID: X00083038899 ACT RFS acting chief officer Rohan Scott has warned members he will no longer tolerate those damaging the organisation's reputation.

Audience 14,000 All, 7,000 MALE 16+, 7,000 FEMALE 16+

Acting RFS chief condemns leaking of damaging review Canberra Times, Canberra, General News, Kathryn Lewis Dan Jervis-Bardy 04 Jun 2020

Page 11 • 521 words • ASR AUD 2,347 • Photo: Yes • Type: News Item • Size: 369.00 cm² • ACT • Australia • Community Safety - Press • ID: 1283804403

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'Lack of collaboration' interstate Canberra Times, Canberra, General News, Lucy Bladen 04 Jun 2020

Page 10 • 557 words • ASR AUD 5,051 • Photo: Yes • Type: News Item • Size: 794.00 cm² • ACT • Australia • Community Safety - Press • ID: 1283804312

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ACT RFS and ESA claimed to be 'considered arrogant' to interstate agencies in leaked report Canberra Times by Lucy Bladen 04 Jun 2020 12:30 AM 600 words • ASR AUD 402 • Community Safety - Online News • ID: 1283812926

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According to a leaked report, the ACT RFS and ESA are considered arrogant by ... 2CC, Canberra, 15:00 News, Newsreader 04 Jun 2020 3:00 PM Duration: 0 min 22 secs • ASR AUD 59 • ACT • Australia • Community Safety - Broadcast • ID: X00083045480 According to a leaked report, the ACT RFS and ESA are considered arrogant by interstate agencies. The feedback of staff to the agency claimed there wasn't much cooperation with agencies over the border. An investigation on the matter is ongoing.

Audience 6,000 All, 3,000 MALE 16+, 3,000 FEMALE 16+ Also broadcast from the following 1 station 2CA (Canberra)

News Headlines ... 2CC, Canberra, Canberra Live, Leon Delaney 04 Jun 2020 3:30 PM Duration: 1 min 22 secs • ASR AUD 73 • ACT • Australia • Community Safety - Broadcast • ID: X00083047206 News Headlines - According to a leaked report, the ACT RFS and ESA are considered arrogant by interstate agencies. The feedback of staff to the agency claimed there wasn't much cooperation with agencies over the border. An investigation on the matter is ongoing. - NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian will permit protests to proceed despite coronavirus restrictions since it is a democratic right.

- There have been calls by ACT Grants for a stop to misleading development applications. A proposal for reforms to planning will be put forward at the legislative assembly later this month. - Canterbury Bulldogs' Kieran Foran states his previous injury has made him more resilient as a person. - The Capitals will head to free agency to fill the positions left by Olivia Epoupa and Kia Nurse

Audience 2,000 All, 1,000 MALE 16+, 1,000 FEMALE 16+

ESA embers continue to smoulder Canberra Times, Canberra, General News, Dan Jervis-Bardy 06 Jun 2020

Page 19 • 1446 words • ASR AUD 8,230 • Photo: Yes • Type: News Item • Size: 1,072.00 cm² • ACT • Australia • Community Safety - Press • ID: 1284735009

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Fire and fury: What really happened during the ACT's bushfire response Canberra Times by Dan Jervis-Bardy 06 Jun 2020 4:30 AM 1549 words • ASR AUD 1,072 • Community Safety - Online News • ID: 1284818395

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Audience 71,891 UNIQUE DAILY VISITORS, 768 AVERAGE STORY AUDIENCE

COPYRIGHT This report and its contents are for the internal research use of Mediaportal subscribers only and must not be provided to any third party by any means for any purpose without the express permission of Isentia and/or the relevant copyright owner. For more information contact [email protected] DISCLAIMER Isentia makes no representations and, to the extent permitted by law, excludes all warranties in relation to the information contained in the report and is not liable for any losses, costs or expenses, resulting from any use or misuse of the report. AUTHOR: Dan Jervis-Bardy SECTION: GENERAL NEWS ARTICLE TYPE: NEWS ITEM AUDIENCE : 14,068 PAGE: 5 PRINTED SIZE: 227.00cm² REGION: ACT MARKET: Australia ASR: AUD 1,444 WORDS:443 395 ITEM ID: 1283352795

03 JUN, 2020 Brigades call for changes post-review

Canberra Times, Canberra Page 1 of 1 Brigades call for changes post-review

Dan Jervis-Bardy "luck and skill" that the ACT weathered the THE relationship between volunteer fire- fire season without any loss of life or homes. fighters and the Emergency Services Agency "But we need to learn, as with every major has reached an "all-time low", according to event, from our mistakes, learn where fail- the organisation representing the ACT's rural ures were made and we need to be reaction- fire service brigades. ary in the sense that the bushfire season will Volunteer Brigades Association president soon be upon us again," he said. John-Paul Romano said many of his mem- Mr Romano said more attention needed to bers felt disrespected and undervalued by be paid to the mental and physical welfare of their paid counterparts at agency headquar- volunteers in the future. ters. The Emergency Services Agency and His comments came after The Canberra Emergency Services Minister Mick Gentle- Times' reports on the agency's "after action man have refused to comment on the alle- review" into the summer bushfire season, gations in the review, but have backed the which included revelations that volunteers handling of the fire season and thrown their considered walking off the Orroral Valley support behind Commissioner Whelan. Chief Minister Andrew Barr on Tuesday fireground in disgust at the preferential expressed his "full confidence" in Commis- treatment given to Parks and Conservation sioner Whelan and the Emergency Services Service staff. Agency. "Morale among members, mem- Mr Barr refused to be drawn on the allega- ber-to-member, is great," Mr Romano said. tions detailed in the report, saying it would "But the morale between the membership not be "particularly useful to provide a run- and ESA and headquarters is at an all- ning commentary" on the matter. time low. But he said the ACT's response to the bush- "A big part of that is the members feeling fire season was "very effective", as evidenced disrespected, members not feeling valued." by the fact that no lives or homes were lost. The leaked internal review detailed explo- Opposition emergency services spokes- sive allegations about the Emergency Ser- woman Giulia Jones said the allegations vices Agency's handling of the fire season, needed to be "appropriately investigated". the behaviour of Commissioner Georgeina Mrs Jones said the ACT Legislative Assem- Whelan and the level of discontent with the bly inquiry into the summer bushfire season, ACT Rural Fire Service. which she is chairing, was "exactly the place Mr Romano said it was through a mix of to do that".

Licensed by Copyright Agency. You may only copy or communicate this work with a licence. AUTHOR: Dan Jervis-Bardy SECTION: GENERAL NEWS ARTICLE TYPE: NEWS ITEM AUDIENCE : 14,068 PAGE: 4 PRINTED SIZE: 190.00cm² REGION: ACT MARKET: Australia ASR: AUD 1,209 WORDS:444 329 ITEM ID: 1283352579

03 JUN, 2020 Bushfire revelations cannot be ignored

Canberra Times, Canberra Page 1 of 1

Bushfire revelations cannot be ignored ANALYSIS sis. Some of the feedback Dan Jervis-Bardy provided by ACT Rural Fire AT 4.45PM on February 1, Service staff and volunteers Canberrans were given rea- to the agency's "after action son to breathe a collective review" of the fire season is sign of relief. frankly alarming. The Orroral Valley fire, Such as the allegations that which had been raging for "blame and shame behav- five days in Namadgi Na- iour" was prevalent inside tional Park, was downgraded the agency's headquarters. from "emergency" to "watch How can there be no poli- and act" level, as conditions cy to manage weary firefight- eased across the ACT's ers? How can thousands of southern outskirts. dollars worth of equipment The massive fire was slowly go missing and funds be brought under control until it mismanaged, as staff alleged was officially declared "out" in the review? Was the pub- on February 27 - a month to lic messaging "overstated" the day after it was ignited by at the height of the crisis, as the heat of a Defence heli- volunteers claim? copter's landing light. The agency has defend- The blaze scorchede mor ed its actions, as has Chief than a third of the ACT's land Minister Andrew Barr. No- mass, causing untold ecolog- body is commenting on the ical damage. specific allegations, saying Yet no homes or lives were that would be inappropriate lost - a remarkable outcome given reviews into the fire given that on January 31, season are ongoing. Canberrans had been told to Those reviews, once final- prepare for the ACT's worst ised, cannot ignore the con- fire day since 2003. cerns raised so far. Lessons The community duly must be learnt. It goes with- heaped praised on those out saying, but it is worth re- charged with steering the peating. It could be a matter response, the Emergency of life or death. Services Agency and its commissioner Georgeina Whelan. But the final outcome mustn't be allowed to be- come a shield against the interrogation of the very serious concerns about the agency's handling of the cri-

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From: Kelly, Scott (ESA) Sent: Friday, 13 December 2019 10:22 AM To: McDonough, Shawn ; Barry, Chris ; Deonarain, Suren ; Powell, Joel ; Ribbons, Paul ; Cannell, Anthony ; Crewdson, Jennifer ; Ramsay, Neil ; Irvine, Robby ; Wiggins, Robert ; Adikari, Susith ; Gallagher, Simon ; Brittle, Robert ; Hamill, Michael ; McLeod, LisaM ; Mungoven, Denis ; Price, Nicole ; Perillo, Samuel ; Francey, Andy ; McClean, Michael ; Berry, John ; Wood, Jon ; Lundy, Rebecca Cc: Smith, Matt Subject: fire deployment

UNCLASSIFIED

Hi All, As the fire deployment wraps up for now. It is timely to look at an After Action Review(AAR) of the deployment. If I could ask you to provide some dot points on issues, concerns, what worked and what didn’t.

Can you provide this to John Berry ASAP as I am will be returning back to road from the 16/12/19.

Once again thank you for your efforts during this deployment.

Scott kelly A/g Operations Manager

1 506 ACT Ambulance Service 02 62079986

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From: Berry, John Sent: Saturday, January 4, 2020 8:43:25 PM To: Sch 2 s 2.2 (a)(xvi) Subject: CCO Brief UNCLASSIFIED

Sch 2 s 2.2 (a)(xvi) Hi Could you please write me a quick brief about your experiences at the secondary comms site. Just a type of thing that outlines good things bad things what could have been done better Thanks again for taking this role today Cheers JB John Berry A/Operations Manager 1 514 ACT Ambulance Service | ACT Emergency Services Agency Department of Justice& Community Safety| ACT Government

9 Amberley Avenue Fairbairn (Majura) ACT 2609| PO Box 158 Canberra City ACT 2601 Phone: 02 62054822 This email and any attachments are confidential, privileged or private; such information must be treated as confidential and used in accordance with relevant policies and legislation. If you are not the intended recipient you must not keep, forward, copy, use, disclose, save or rely on this communication, and any such action is unauthorised and prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete the email.

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Conran, Olwen

From: Kilpatrick, Robert Sent: Tuesday, 21 January 2020 10:28 AM To: Foot, David Subject: RE: AAR

UNCLASSIFIED

Thanks David,

Can you advise me as to whom in the Commissioner’s office is collating the information? I will work with them to ensure that we are capturing the right type of information for the AAR.

Regards

Rob Kilpatrick | Territory Emergency Management Officer | Phone: (02) 6207 7920 | Mobile:Sch 2 s 2.2 (a)(ii) | email: [email protected] Emergency Services Agency | Justice and Community Safety Directorate | ACT Government Emergency Management, Risk, Spatial & Digital Services 9 Amberley Avenue, Fairbairn Business Park, MAJURA ACT 2609

From: Foot, David Sent: Tuesday, 21 January 2020 8:28 AM To: Kilpatrick, Robert Subject: AAR

UNCLASSIFIED

Rob,

Spoke to the Commissioners Office last night. The AAR for lessons learnt from the bushfire /storm damage will be conducted via the Commissioner’s Office. Can you assist please by collating feedback from Risk and Planning / ECC DLO’s etc. The Commissioners Office will be issuing further advice to the wider ESA.

Regards

David Foot ASM Executive Branch Manager ‐ Risk and Planning ACT Emergency Services Agency

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