Turia Pitt and Kate Sanderson endured burns covering over 60 % of their bodies as running in the 100 kliometer race in the Kimberley region in Western Australia in last September. Organized by Hong Kong firm Racing The Planet, ultra marathon was stepped on a course between Kununurra, El Questro Wilderness Park and Gibb River Road.
A parliamentary investigation is investigating whether additional could have been carried out to stop the joggers being burnt as well as the extent of the sponsorship of the state government of the race through Tourism Western Australia. Kim Hames, Tourism Minister has earlier stated in the parliament that it was “private event on private land" however on Wednesday admitted to the investigation that 15 % of the course was on public land.Kim Hames said that he could not remember when he found out that information however even now he would say that the event was "mainly" held on personal property.
As an alternative that resembled parliamentary inquiry time, Michelle Roberts, Labor MP asked several tough questions of the minister. Kim Hames said that, he had depends on Western Australia Tourism for information as well as the "risk-management plan system" required improvements.
WA Tourism was a support of the event as well as had planned to offer $170,000 to Beyond Action to movie the event, though it paid just $85,000. Kate Lamont, The organization’s chairperson told the inquiry that it was normal practice to form a firm with an event if WA Tourism required footage to endorse tourism in the region.
She said that, they didn't predict to obtain the footage for free of charge.Ms Lamont said that WA Tourism had also intended to pay more $105,000 to Racing The Planet to aid to ensure the event was well run, as it "seemed to be a sensible amount".
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