Luke Hartsuyker (Cowper, National Party, Deputy Manager of Opposition Business in the House) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. I refer the Prime Minister to the case of Mrs Joyce Smith of Coffs Harbour, who had foil insulation installed in her home. Mrs Smith paid $240 on top of the $1,600 government rebate to North Coast firm Power Results. A local electrician subsequently found that the ceiling was running at 240 volts and fixed the problem at a cost of $1,270. The Smiths sent the bill to Power Results, who have refused to pay. Prime Minister, who is responsible for this bill for $1,270?

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

I thank the honourable member for his question. The honourable member will be aware of the fact that when it comes to foil insulation the government has undertaken responsibility for conducting inspections for all foil insulations which have occurred. Secondly, the government has also undertaken responsibility to deal with any of the practical problems which arise with the restoration of the houses concerned, particularly when it comes to anything which has arisen as a direct consequence of the government’s program. Can I say to the honourable member, given that I am not familiar with the details of the case, that he should raise it directly with the minister who is responsible, the Minister for Climate Change, Energy Efficiency and Water, and we will seek to deal with the individual concerned to make sure there is a satisfactory resolution to her concerns.