Follow-up of bushfire prevention and preparedness (Report 5: 2018-19)

Australia experiences many large, devastating natural disasters, including catastrophic bushfires. Since 1901, over 700 civilians and 90 firefighters have lost their lives, and over 11 000 homes have been destroyed, in bushfires across Australia.

Queensland's bushfire threat is not as acute as in Australia's southern states. However, current research indicates bushfire seasons will lengthen in the coming decade and fire frequency and intensity may increase.

In our first performance audit report, Bushfire prevention and preparedness (Report 10: 2014–15), we examined whether Queensland was better able to prevent and prepare for bushfires following the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission, the Malone Review into Rural Fire Services in Queensland 2013, and the (Queensland) Police and Community Safety Review 2013.

In this follow-up audit, we examined whether Queensland Fire and Emergency Services has effectively implemented the recommendations we made in our first report. We also assessed whether the actions taken have addressed the underlying issues that led to our recommendations in that report.