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 to today’s comments by insulation small-business owner Ms Kellie Jackson of Albury:

He, Mr Rudd, has ruined an industry and is getting away with it. I came to Canberra on February 24th where he met installers and promised them he would fix it. I came back on 30 April to let him know that he hadn’t fixed it. Now insulation installers from across this country are going to Canberra to let the government know it is not okay.

I note that neither the Prime Minister nor any other minister was available this time to meet with installers such as those now in the gallery. Will the Prime Minister apologise to Kellie Jackson and other legitimate installers for both misleading them and sending longstanding small businesses broke?

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

I thank the honourable member for his question. When the various installers were here in Australia some time ago, we did indicate that there would be a replacement scheme.

Opposition Members:

Opposition members interjectingWe are in Australia, yes!

Harry Jenkins (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order!

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

We did indicate when they were here in Canberra that there would be a replacement scheme. We also indicated at the time that safety would be first priority. That is why, having commissioned the Hawke review and obtained its recommendations, it was decided, based on those recommendations, that we should not proceed with the replacement scheme because safety could not be guaranteed. I draw honourable member’s attention also to the fact that we have now committed $56 million to assist insulation workers and companies affected by the closure of the Home Insulation Program. I also draw attention to the fact that the member for Flinders has also supported the government’s decision to cancel the program.