‘Sounds like a back-down’: Planning Minister’s pool fence announcement falls flat on 3AW

Victoria’s Planning Minister denies he has backed away from a promise to introduce tough laws requiring isolation fencing around all backyard pools.

In a previous interview with Neil Mitchell, Richard Wynne promised to act on the recommendations of the state coroner following 26 children drownings over the past 15 years.

Today Mr Wynne announced a crackdown featuring a mandatory register and inspection regime.

However, isolation fencing will only be required for pools built after 2010.

Neil Mitchell: “Sounds like a back-down to me.”

Mr Wynne: “That was the position that I had at that time and I’ve had to take expert advice. Either you act on expert advice or you don’t, and I have acted on that advice.”

Neil: “That’s a bit strange. Surely if pools built after 2010 require isolation fencing to be safe, so do the pre-2010 pools?”

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