❓ A WA MP questions the Environment Minister about a DBCA employee's overseas trip to a wildland fire conference and study tour, querying the necessity and itinerary. The Minister provides details of the conference, study tour locations, and justification for the trip's duration.

I refer to the Report on Overseas Air Travel for the 3 months to 31 December 2024 and a trip by A Donovan to Canada and the USA from 9 October to 10 November 2024 (over one month) at a cost of $15,370 to be part of a group study tour and attend a wildland fire conference. Can the Minister advise:(a) The dates of the conference in Canada and the city in which it was held;(b) The dates of the study tour and the location;(c) Why was it necessary for A Donavan to be on a one-month trip; and(d) Did A Donovan visit other cities in Canada and the USA that were not part of the conference or study tour:(i) If so, for what purpose and on what dates?

(a) The Wildland Fire Canada Conference was held in Fredericton, New Brunswick from 28 October to 1 November 2024. Ms Donovan departed Fredericton 1 November 2024,   returning to Perth on 4 November 2024. (b) The study tour was undertaken from 9 October to 27 October 2024 in the United States and Canada, including locations in California, Oregon and Ontario, prior to travel to New Brunswick for the conference. (c) Ms Donovan travelled as the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions’ nominated senior fire manager to participate in the Australia/New Zealand–North American Forest Fire Management Group international study tour, which supports international cooperation, professional development and the exchange of contemporary fire management practices to strengthen Western Australia’s bushfire mitigation, response and recovery capability. (d)(i) No other cities were visited as part of the study tour, noting that there was a 24-hour transit layover in Vancouver on 1 November, between international flights, with no study tour activities undertaken.