November 18, 2011
The State and Federal Government’s are combining forces with the community to increase efforts to reduce the number of deliberately lit bushfires.
Two weeks ago the Federal Government announced that its national database to track known and suspected arsonists was up and running. This week, the State Government has followed up with its launch of the ‘Operation Firesetter’ Bushfire Arson Prevention Campaign.
As part of the campaign, Victoria Police will undertake dedicated high visibility patrols during periods of high fire danger and people are being encouraged to report suspicious behaviour or suspected arson immediately.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester, who lobbied the government for a national database of arsonists in the aftermath of the Black Saturday bushfires, said it was important that governments worked with the community in a united approach to tackling arson.
Half of the estimated 54,000 bushfires in Australia each year are either deliberately lit or started in suspicious circumstances with arson estimated to cost the Australian community approximately $1.6 billion per year.
“Current conditions are likely to pose a high fire risk this summer and any acts of arson could potentially threaten lives, properties and the local environment,” Mr Chester said.
“The Federal Government’s national arson database is another tool that police can use to prevent deliberately lit fires and apprehend offenders but it won’t solve the problem.
“We still need community vigilance and I urge Gippslanders to follow the State Government’s advice and contact the police immediately to report suspicious behaviour.”
Member for Morwell Russell Northe said the first point of contact for local residents to report suspicious behaviour should be triple zero (000).
Suspected arsonists can also be reported to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
“Local people need to be the eyes and ears for local authorities by speaking up if they suspect something,” Mr Northe said.
“If you see something or know something, say something and help local authorities protect our communities.”