Dean Smith (WA, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I, and also on behalf of Senators Cormann, Cash, Back, Johnston, Reynolds, Sterle, Ludlam, Bullock, Lines, Siewert and Wang, move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes the devastating bushfires that swept through the Salmon Gums, Scadden, Grass Patch, Merivale and Norsemen areas north of Esperance, Western Australia, in the week beginning 15 November 2015, were the State's worst bushfires in more than 50 years;

(b) acknowledges the determined efforts of the more than 200 volunteer firefighters, Fire and Emergency Services Authority personnel, State Emergency Services volunteers, and pastoralists and farmers who sought to save as many properties as possible;

(c) expresses its sincere regret at:

(i) the tragic death of Scadden farmer, Mr Kym Curnow, who lost his life after bravely making sure homes were being evacuated and turning back vehicles, and

(ii) the tragic deaths of European workers, Ms Anna Winther (29) from Norway, Ms Julia Kohrs-Lichte (19) from Germany, and Mr Thomas Butcher (31) from England, who died trying to flee the fire; and

(d) extends its sympathy to the family and friends of the deceased.

Question agreed to.