Presented by Robert Clark MP		www.robertclark.net

Longford Royal Commission findings

The Premier, Mr Kennett, has released the report of the Royal Commission into the Esso Longford gas-plant accident on 25 September 1998.

The Royal Commission was appointed to investigate the causes of the explosion and fire at Longford, and advise on what steps Esso or BHP should take to lessen the risk of a repetition of the incident or a further disruption of gas supply from the facilities.

The Premier said the Government would look closely at the Commission’s findings and recommendations.

"The Government will consider the Commission’s recommendation for some legislative action to extend safety case-reporting procedures to all major hazard facilities in Victoria and the establishment of a specialist agency to monitor and administer those safety procedures.

The Royal Commission sat for 53 days, commencing with a preliminary hearing on 12 November 1998 and concluding with a closing address by Counsel Assisting the Royal Commission on 15 April 1999.

The Commission received evidence from some 66 witnesses, including operators and supervisors employed by Esso, Esso management, emergency-response personnel and technical experts.

More than 560 exhibits were tendered in the Royal Commission.

(News Release, Office of the Premier of Victoria, June 28, 1999)