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MELBOURNE - A court has lifted the suppression order on naming the man charged over one of the fatal bushfires in Victoria which killed more that 180 people.
The fire the man is charged over, at Churchill in the southeast of the state, burnt out more than 30,000
hectares and killed 21 people.
He can now be named as 39-year-old Brendan Sokaluk.
An order remains in place preventing media from publishing Sokaluk's street address or his image.
Sokaluk was remanded in custody to appear at a committal mention on May 25.
He has been charged with one count of arson causing death, one count of intentionally lighting a bushfire and one count of possessing child pornography.
The arson charge carries a maximum penalty of 25 years, with the bushfire charge carrying a maximum penalty of 15 years.
He did not appear at Monday's hearing in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court.
Over 180 people were killed and 1800 homes destroyed after some 400 blazes tore across Victoria - making it the country's worst ever wildfire disaster.
Police suspect foul play in at least one other fire.
A lawfirm has lodged a suit in Victoria's Supreme Court against Singapore-owned power company Ausnet alleging negligence after a two kilometre stretch of powerlines fell, starting one fire at Killmore East.
Victoria chief commissioner Christine Nixon said that police were aware of the reported class action suit involving the Kinglake fire. She declined to answer directly when asked if police had removed a section of powerline and a power pole as evidence.
"I understand there is some legal action that people are taking, but at this stage we're still investigating its cause," Nixon told Nine Network television.
Residents of towns in the 3900sq km fire zone gathered at services yesterday to pray for the dead and seek comfort from one another. The scene was repeated at churches across the country.
Australian PM Kevin Rudd also attended church services in Victoria and was to tour Kinglake. In the town of Wandong, Rudd paid tribute to the community for its efforts during a memorial service. "You, as this community, full of courage, reliance and compassion, I salute each and every one of you."
Community Services Minister Jenny Macklin announced yesterday that families whose homes were destroyed would get an A$10,000 cash payment to start the rebuilding process. The federal and Victorian Governments have promised millions of dollars more and say a comprehensive rebuilding strategy would be released later this week.
Charity efforts have raised more than A$90 million ($112.8 million) in donations to official relief funds.
- AAP / AGENCIES
