SP AusNet files its defence in Victorian bushfires litigation

SP AusNet says it filed its defence and counterclaim today with the Supreme Court of Victoria concerning the Feb 7, 2009, Black Saturday bushfire known as the Kilmore East fire.

SP AusNet is the defendant in legal proceedings. The defence denies that SP AusNet was negligent. SP AusNet alleges that its conduct was at all times reasonable, in compliance with technical regulations and reasonable in light of economic regulations applicable to SP AusNet. SP AusNet says it has also made several counterclaims against several parties: the Department of Sustainability and Environment, the State of Victoria (Victoria Police), the Country Fire Authority and a contracted inspector of electricity assets. The purpose of the counterclaim is to join other parties where they may be relevant to the Court’s consideration of the causes and consequences of the Kilmore East fire, SP Ausnet says. If SP AusNet’s defence of the claim is successful, the counterclaim will become irrelevant and will not be pursued. These matters are issues for the Court to determine the company adds.