MINE FIRE INQUIRY HEARINGS START MONDAY

The first block of Hazelwood Mine Fire Inquiry public hearings starting on Monday 26 May 2014 will focus on the origin and response to the Hazelwood mine fires.

Craig Lapsley, Fire Services Commissioner, will be the first person to provide evidence on day one of the Inquiry, followed by Bill Brown, the Inquiry’s first community witness and Jaymie Norris from the Department of Environment and Primary Industries.

‘Each afternoon the Inquiry will hear from a community witness about their first-hand account of the impact of the fires’, said Sonia Petering, member of the Board of Inquiry.

‘We believe it is important to hear personal stories from those directly affected and acknowledge their issues and concerns’.

On day two, the Inquiry will hear from Detective Inspector Michael Roberts, Victoria Police, and David Shanahan and James Mauger from GDF Suez.  Graeme Freshwater will be the community witness on the second day of the Inquiry.

Detailed hearing schedules will be posted on the Inquiry’s website at hazelwoodinquiry.archive.vic.gov.au at least three days in advance of the hearings.

‘People are encouraged to attend and view the public proceedings’, said an Inquiry spokesperson, ‘but unless they have been formally notified, they will not be able to provide evidence’.

Those wishing to attend the hearings are asked to use the Ann Street Entrance of the building.

Contact: Media and Communications Manager, Tracey Matters, 0417 230 503

Last Updated on Friday, 23 May 2014