During one of the most severe droughts in Australia's recent history, early-season and deadly bushfires raged for weeks across parts of NSW and Queensland.The effects of climate change are being blamed for having worsened conditions, while some politicians from the fire-ravaged states have criticised government policies and planning, "green" laws and a lack of hazard reduction burns. Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce pointed to three major "issues" that he said needed to be addressed: access to the fires, central watering points, and a lack of hazard reduction burns. The latter he blamed largely on current conservation laws. Similarly, Queenslander and One Nation Senator Pauline Hanson accused the Greens and Labor Party of restricting fire-reduction burns. NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro also pointed the finger at the Greens. Federal Resources Minister Matthew Canavan, referred to the "bogey man of climate change" which he said was being used to distract from the failure of the states to manage fire risks. So, how effective are hazard reduction burns and how are they managed? RMIT ABC Fact Check considerd the facts.