Page 681 - Week 02 - Wednesday, 24 February 2010
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
There were subsequent warnings in relation to foil insulation and the risks associated with it. That was the proactive step our regulatory authority took well ahead of the implementation of the commonwealth program. Subsequent to the commonwealth program starting, there were a series of warnings.
There was a media statement in November from the work safety commissioner reminding installers that there were work safety risks associated with this task and that they needed to be aware that these risks had led to deaths in other states. It went on to give further warnings. In January there was a warning about dodgy sales practices by installers released by the Commissioner for Fair Trading and a hazard alert, again issued in November, drawing to installers’ attention the risks associated with, and the safety issues relating to, the installation of ceiling insulation.
Let us just be very clear about what the situation is here in the ACT. Has there been any report about dangerous work practice associated with the installation of insulation in the territory? I am advised no, there has not. There has been no report of dangerous work practice requiring investigation. What complaints have we received? We have received eight complaints in relation to fair trading issues. They relate to a range of factors, such as pressure sales techniques, failure to advise the consumer of all the relevant information they should be aware of prior to entering into a contract and matters of that ilk.
There has been no complaint about dangerous work practices in the installation of insulation in this city—none whatsoever, according to the advice I have received. That is the context in which we are operating. We have not seen reports of dangerous work practice. We have seen ACT regulatory authorities doing their job and we have seen an appropriate level of information going from our regulatory agencies to the commonwealth, consistent with the advice that all other states and territories were also giving.
This motion that in some almost sick way seeks to label me with the deaths of four people in a jurisdiction I have no responsibility for is just bizarre. That is the argument that we hear from the Liberal Party tonight. Because someone has died in Sydney or in Brisbane, I am responsible. That is the absurd lengths that the opposition is using to try and bring some modicum of credibility to this motion today.
It is the fact, of course, that there have been a number of house fires in the territory that may, or may not, relate to the inappropriate installation of insulation. We will obviously look with interest at the outcome of that coronial inquiry. But I reject absolutely the assertion that I have failed in any way to protect adequately from, and warn Canberrans about, the dangers of poorly installed insulation. The information has been on the public record and it has been on the public record before and after this scheme commenced.
I note that the Liberals and the Greens both wish the government to undertake a public awareness campaign on the dangers of poorly installed insulation. With all due respect, I think that has happened. I think it is pretty clear that this issue is well and truly in people’s heads; so I do not understand the utility of the ACT government undertaking that exercise at this time.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video