The Committee will inquire into and report on the efficacy of past and current vegetation and land management policy, practice and legislation and their effect on the intensity and frequency of bushfires and subsequent risk to property, life and the environment. The inquiry will have particular regard to:
- Past and current practices of land and vegetation management;
- Whether current legislation and regulation is in conflict or causes confusion for landholders;
- The science and research behind activities such as hazard reduction burning, clearing and rehabilitation;
- Legislative capability at local, state and federal levels requiring landholders to reduce fire risk on their properties;
- The impact of severe fires on the economy in urban, regional, rural and remote areas;
- The progress and implementation of mitigation strategies recommended in state reviews over the last decade; and
- The role that emergency services have working with land management officials in managing fire risk.