In response to the release of the McLeod Report, I again offer my most sincere congratulations and support of Emergency Services personnel, the ACT Police, ACT and NSW Fire Brigades and individual volunteers who rallied together in the face of an extraordinary and unprecedented crisis to help fight the January Bushfires.
In the face of adversity, the Canberra community banded together to get through a devastating tragedy, and I acknowledge the tremendous effort by all involved – not only on the days surrounding the fires and recovery process, but in helping Canberra to strengthen our sense of community.
The Chief Minister has given an open and honest appraisal of the difficult lessons learnt, and has already begun preparing our city and surrounding areas in order to ensure that the devastation we experienced as a community in January will not occur again.
As he did in the days surrounding the tragedy of the January 18 bushfires, the ACT Chief Minister, Jon Stanhope, has demonstrated a most humble and inspired approach to the leadership of the ACT Government, committing to implement all 61 recommendations of the McLeod Report.
The Chief Minister is but one person amongst thousands who have made an invaluable contribution at the time of the fires and in the recovery process, be they officials, volunteers or the victims themselves.
Media contact: Adina Cirson – (02) 6277 3334 or 0418 488 295
