By ANTARA,
CAMBERRA : Australian Victorian police says it may take a year to fully investigate the weekend fires in the state, which have so far claimed more than 173 lives.
A task force of up to 100 police has been set up to investigate the bushfires, according to a report posted on the website of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Tuesday.
The investigation will focus on whether the fires were deliberately lit, identify any offenders and investigate the circumstances surrounding those killed, the report said.
A special agency will also be established to help fire-ravaged communities across the state to recover and rebuild, the report said.
Australian Premier John Brumby says the rebuilding will begin within weeks.
It has been confirmed Police Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon will head up the authority.(*)