18/9/02
The State Government is conducting an investigation into fire safety standards of backpacker hostels and other budget accommodation to ensure they comply with current standards.
Local Government and Regional Development Minister Tom Stephens said the investigation was necessary to ensure that community safety was not compromised, by ensuring proper fire safety measures were in place in community public buildings.
The investigation is being conducted by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development in conjunction with the Fire and Emergency Services Authority.
"This Government is committed to fire safety and the modernisation of legislation that ensures community public buildings such as backpacker accommodation have appropriate fire prevention measures in place," Mr Stephens said.
"Tragedies such as the backpacker fire at Childers, Queensland in June 2000 are a devastating reminder of the importance of having sufficient legislative powers to ensure an acceptable level of safety in backpacker hostels.
"The investigation will take into account similar investigations done in Queensland and elsewhere in the country, putting public safety at the forefront."
Included in the investigation will be an examination of:
- the consistency of on-site independent inspection, and audits of, buildings under construction; and
- auditing measures associated with maintaining active fire safety systems, such as fire/smoke detection, alarm and suppression equipment.
The Minister said the fire safety risks in budget accommodation were particularly high, often because of their age and high-density usage.
"Many building components and systems require inspection and/or maintenance so that the level of safety they provide does not deteriorate over time to an unacceptable level," he said.
"Our approach to this investigation will be risk-based with the view of regulating the essential safety measures encapsulating inspection, verification and maintenance."
Any recommendations resulting in this investigation will be considered for future inclusion in the proposed new Building Legislation.
Minister's office: 9213 6500
