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Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who has received public criticism
for his handling of the crisis, led a tribute as legislators
returned to parliament for the first time after the long summer
break.
"This is the black summer of 2019/20 that has proven our
national character and resolve," Morrison said. "These fires are
yet to end and danger is still before us in many, many places,
but today, we gather together to mourn, honor, reflect and begin
to learn from the black summer that continues."
Morrison said he has written to state and territory leaders to
begin discussions on the terms of reference for a so-called
Royal Commission inquiry into the official response to the
crisis, including the deployment of emergency services, the role
of the federal government, and the impact of climate change.
Morrison was forced into a rare public apology in December after
he went on vacation to Hawaii as the fires escalated. His
government's stance on climate change, including its support for
the coal industry, has drawn international criticism.
Fires burning since September have destroyed about 12 million
hectares (29.7 million acres) across Australia’s most populous
states. The blazes have destroyed about 2,500 homes, killed an
estimated 1 billion native animals and threatened the habitats
of many more.
Authorities said none of the blazes currently burning posed an
immediate danger, thanks to cooler weather.
(Reporting by Colin Packham; editing by Jane Wardell)
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