No delay to new WA DFES law

The WA government has dismissed reports that new legislation to ensure fuel loads are reduced has been put off until after the next election.

The reform of the three outdated emergency services acts has been in the final drafting process since January 2015 but has not yet reached the cabinet for approval.

The aim of the review is to create a single comprehensive Act which will improve community safety and better support emergency services.

It includes fuel reduction obligations on state and local governments, as well as private businesses.

"It's a complicated process and consultation is ongoing," Emergency Services Minister Joe Francis said.

"At the end of the day it is legislative housekeeping which would make absolutely no difference whatsoever to the ability of DFES and other agencies to fight a bushfire."

Former DFES superintendent Merv Austic, now executive officer with the Emergency Services Volunteers Association, told the West Australian newspaper the amalgamated legislation appeared to be languishing in "the abyss" and while implementing it would be costly, not acting would be worse.