Peter Garrett (Kingsford Smith, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Madam Deputy Speaker, I seek the indulgence of the chair to add to an answer.

Ms Anna Burke (Chisholm, Deputy-Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The minister may proceed.

Peter Garrett (Kingsford Smith, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I wish to add further to an answer I gave earlier today in response to a question from the member for Canning, although it was a detailed answer. The member asked a question about value for money in the government’s Energy Efficient Homes package, specifically about a Western Australian installer who, according—

Ms Anna Burke (Chisholm, Deputy-Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My apologies, Minister. I do have to interrupt you for five seconds. It being 4.30 pm I propose the question:

That the House do now adjourn.

Bob McMullan (Fraser, Australian Labor Party, Parliamentary Secretary for International Development Assistance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I require the question to be put immediately without debate.

Question negatived.

Peter Garrett (Kingsford Smith, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. I will begin again. I wish to add further to an answer I gave earlier today in response to a question from the member for Canning. The member asked a question about value for money in the government’s Energy Efficient Homes package, specifically about a Western Australian installer who, according to the member, has experienced an increase in the unit cost for insulation product. I undertook to see whether there was further information in relation to this matter that I could report back to the House.

I can inform the House that I have asked my department to immediately review all correspondence and complaints received in relation to the program to identify whether there is any record of having received advice of this kind from a Western Australian insulation installer. I note the member did not provide any details of the installer; however, if the member would provide my office with those details then I will ensure they are followed up and respond to the member and provide appropriate advice to the installer in question.

On the broader question of insulation supply, I am aware of the current pressure on insulation supply chains, in particular for glass wool batts. My department is closely monitoring demand and supply and is providing industry with information to help it meet the tremendous demand the program has generated. I have been advised that additional capacity will come on stream because industry is responding and I am also advised that current shortfalls are likely to be short lived.