FED: Forestry chief tells inquiry arson is not acceptable

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FED: Forestry chief tells inquiry arson is not acceptable

A Tasmanian forestry chief has told an inquiry into last summer's devastating bushfiresthat Australia needs to build a culture where arson is not acceptable.

Forestry Tasmania managing director EVAN ROLLEY has presented a submission to the federalHouse of Representatives inquiry in Hobart.

He's told reporters that Forestry Tasmania fights an average of 80 fires each year-- two-thirds of them deliberately lit.

He says Australia needs to build a culture where that's not acceptable, and where thefederal government takes a leadership role in funding a national education program.

Further public hearings are scheduled next week in Western Australia, with the committeedue to table its report on November the 6th.

AAP RTV las/sco/rca/smb

KEYWORD: BUSHFIRES EDUCATION (HOBART)