RSS Feed
July 4th, 2012 
FAKE NEWS for the Zionist agenda The sole remaining fire chief from the 2009 Black Saturday tragedy will not be seeking reappointment when his contract expires later this year.
Victoria’s Department of Sustainability and Environments (DSE) Chief Fire Officer Ewan Waller, who was the target of some stinging criticism from the bushfires royal commission, announced his retirement on Wednesday after 40 years service.
The commission had criticised Mr Waller for his lack of leadership on Black Saturday.
On Wednesday, the Baillieu government recognised his contribution in boosting Victoria’s fire management and prevention capability.
Acting Premier and Minister for Bushfire Response Peter Ryan said Mr Waller had led the increase in planned burning as recommended by the royal commission.
In 2010 Mr Waller said he felt responsible for the 173 deaths that occurred on Black Saturday but had never considered resigning.
“In one degree you feel personally responsible for all the deaths,” Mr Waller said at the time.
He said he was “deeply affected” by what happened and in hindsight would have done things differently on the day.
Mr Ryan said Mr Waller’s decision to stay on after Black Saturday was a demonstration of his commitment to implementing the royal commission’s recommendations.
“The 2009 fires, and subsequent royal commission, was a challenging time for everyone involved, and the lessons learned will put Victoria in a much better position to respond to future fires,” Mr Ryan said.
Mr Waller’s Country Fire Authority (CFA) counterpart Russell Rees quit in June, 2010 amid a groundswell of criticism.
Related posts:
Views: 0
Posted in 
Tags: 
