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

I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question. Concerning the causes of specific fires to which the honourable member refers, it is important that individual investigations are left to be concluded. Furthermore, I say in relation to the honourable member’s question that I am advised that the current rate of fire concerning insulation in houses is about one in 10,000 homes. I would also say to the honourable member in response to his question that, prior to this program commencing, there were some 80 to 85 fires which arose from 60,000 to 70,000 homes being retrofitted with insulation in the previous year.

The honourable member goes to the question of the inspections regime. I draw his attention to the fact that, when it comes to all houses which have been installed with foil insulation, all of those homes will be inspected. I will also draw the honourable member’s attention to the fact that the government will undertake all inspections that are necessary—

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