The operators of the Australian hostel where an Irish woman and 14 other backpackers died in a fire six years ago look set to escape charges over the blaze.

The operators of an Australian hostel where an Irish woman and 14 other backpackers died during a fire six years ago have refused to give evidence at a new inquest into the cause of the deaths.

A fruit picker accused of starting a hostel fire in Australia that killed 15 backpackers - including an Irish girl - discussed burning down the building in the weeks before the blaze, a court has been told.