Heroes of Black Saturday point to leadership failings

THE commitment and courage of those who fought the Black Saturday fires is in no doubt. As Premier John Brumby told The Age: "I think everybody in the CFA did their best to protect the state. In terms of effort and endeavour, I don't think you can fault that." Yet Country Fire Authority brigades, in submissions to the Bushfires Royal Commission, have found plenty to fault in those who landed them with inadequate systems and equipment. Their harrowing accounts raise questions about state funding and about CFA leaders' diligence in ensuring that communications and emergency systems were up to date and accessible to all who needed them.