Australia is burning. We are in severe drought. The summer of 2019-2020 is the most catastrophic bush fire season in our history. Yet in November 2019, a 19-year old RFS fire fighter was arrested, charged with deliberately lighting fires in the Bega Valley area. He is out on bail. On New Year's Eve,  2019, teenagers who deliberately lit illegal fireworks in Cecil Hills in a Total Fire Ban - and who ran off when the fire they ignited spread to threaten homes and lives - will be let off with 'a caution' - if and when they're caught.

The age of criminal responsibility in Australia is 10. To caution criminals who have deliberately committed arson is a slap in the face to the grieving families of the three volunteer fire fighters already lost in this horror season; to the citizens who have lost family members; to those who have lost everything; to all members of the RFS; to those fighting to save our wildlife; to every other volunteer in the current crisis.

The charge for arson - the wilful lighting of fires - in a period of declared Total Fire Ban needs to be a charge of attempted manslaughter. These criminals need to realise the full extent of their actions, the ongoing effects thereof and be penalised accordingly. IMMEDIATE ACTION IS NEEDED.