THE Labor Party has pledged to change the law to require convicted firebugs to be electronically monitored during the bushfire season if elected to government at the next election.
Labor claims, every year, up to 100 people around South Australia are considered to be a risk of lighting bushfires.
During the 2020-21 bushfire season, Operation Nomad had 35 targets deemed “high risk” and a further 44 deemed “significant risk”.
Labor’s plan would change the law so that convicted arsonists who pose an ongoing risk to the community face electronic monitoring throughout the fire danger season, freeing up our police and emergency services to perform other duties essential to protecting life and property.
“We have all seen in recent years the devastating fury bushfires can unleash across our state, most recently on Kangaroo Island and in the Adelaide Hills,” said Shadow Minister for Emergency Services Lee Odenwalder.
“We must do everything we can to prevent bushfires starting in the first place, which is why electronic monitoring of known firebugs during bushfire season would be an effective tool.”
Mr Odenwalder said “Firebugs are the lowest of the low, but they are sadly a fact of life.
“Too often during summer, significant SAPOL and emergency services resources are thrown at monitoring firebugs.
“Electronic monitoring will give police and emergency services another tool in their arsenal to protect our community.”
