SENATE INQUIRY INTO INSULATION PROGRAM DANGERS, RORTING & WASTE
The Member for Berowra, Philip Ruddock MP said today that the Coalition will move for a Senate inquiry to investigate dangers, rorting and waste in the Rudd Government’s $2.7 billion insulation program.
“The inquiry would examine disturbing new reports of electrocutions and house fires which have been linked to the scheme. Tragically one new contractor was killed while installing insulation and his partner was seriously wounded in a recent incident,” Mr Ruddock said.
The Senate would also investigate ongoing complaints of the waste, rorting and shoddy work which is being reported to electorate offices and media outlets on a daily basis.
“We are told of inexperienced and ill-trained installers stapling into wiring or placing insulation on top of hot down lights and fans – creating the risk of fires and electrocution and questionable installers charging inflated prices. Senate Estimates has confirmed that at least $130 million has so far been wasted,” Philip Ruddock said.
“There is a now a widespread and growing sense of unease across the community about the waste and haste of the $2.7 billion insulation program and the Government is running a program which has been proven to be risking life and property.