Coulton’s Catch-up 14/02/10
15-February-2010
Following the revelations in Parliament this week that the Rudd Government has ignored repeated warnings from unions and insulation industry experts that the hasty implementation of the ill-conceived roof insulation program could potentially cause fatalities, I would urge anybody who has had foil insulation installed to be particularly vigilant about the dangers it could present. It is estimated there are up to a thousand homes that have "live-ceiling" cavities, which could make them deadly for people who enter them. It is extremely important that all households who installed foil insulation through Peter Garrett’s program seek an urgent safety inspection to ensure their homes are safe.
The tragic news that four people have died as a result of the maladministration of the program is terribly concerning, but the real issue is the on-going maladministration of the program that has resulted in billions of taxpayers dollars wasted on this ineffective and incompetent scheme. Since it was rolled out last year the program has been dogged by a series of bungles which has seen many homeowners ripped off by shoddy and unlicensed operators, untold and unnecessary damage to ceilings and people’s safety put in jeopardy with the installation of insulation in a manner that fails to meet basic safety standards. Peter Garrett and the Rudd Government have refused to adequately address these concerns and any attempts now to limit the damage is too little too late.
In September last year I warned the Rudd Government of the potential for danger caused by its rushed roll-out of the $3 billion tax-payer funded program but, as feared, my warnings – as well as the many others from MPs, electricians, unions and insulation experts - were ignored.
An audit by Peter Garrett’s own department has revealed as many as 1000 homes that had foil insulation installed through this failed scheme may have deadly electrical currents in their roofs. Safety is paramount and I encourage any homeowners who have had their foil insulation installed under the scheme to seek urgent information by calling the hotline on 131 792. Homeowners are being urged not try to check things for themselves as there is a real risk of more fatalities.
I am committed to doing all I can to ensure homeowners who have installed foil insulation under the program have access to safety inspections and upgrade of the insulation if required under the program. If you have not installed insulation under the program but have any concerns about electrical safety and insulation, you should contact a licensed electrician to arrange an inspection.