Mr. Brendan Gleeson:

Deputy Fitzmaurice used the word "fear". I am not sure "fear" is a relevant term here. The reality is that all of our officers and forestry inspectors operate the system on the basis of their judgment of what is consistent with the law. If we were casual about that, we would expose applicants potentially to worse outcomes in the long term. I accept it is difficult in the short term.

In terms of our senior management, as far as I am concerned, I am dealing here with people who are extraordinarily dedicated who are working 12 and 14 hours a day to try and resolve a very difficult situation. That is my position on this. I am not aware of any loss of confidence in them. I certainly have not lost confidence in them.