Greg Hunt (Flinders, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Climate Action, Environment and Heritage) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. I refer the Prime Minister to the government’s concession that foil insulation is a potential death trap and that the 50,000 homes installed with it must now finally be inspected and repaired. Given that insulation products installed under the Prime Minister’s scheme have so far caused at least 105 house fires, and given that 240,000 homes are likely to have dangerous or dodgy insulation, will the Prime Minister guarantee that all of the more than one million homes installed with potentially dangerous or dodgy insulation will also receive a thorough safety inspection?

Kevin Rudd (Griffith, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the honourable member for his question. I also draw the honourable member’s attention to a statement delivered in this place by the minister responsible for energy efficiency, Minister Combet, yesterday. Based on advice received by that minister, I would also say to the honourable member who has asked the question that those who have received foil insulation will have the option of having either that foil insulation removed or safety switches installed. That will apply to all the homes he has referred to. This also is based on advice from the Master Electricians of Australia and the National Electrical Contractors Association. The minister will make further statements to the House as appropriate in terms of further action that may be needed.