Michael McCormack (Riverina, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. I refer the Prime Minister to the tragic triple fatality in a house fire in Wagga Wagga on 10 November this year. Is it correct that the house was fitted with the insulation under the government’s failed home insulation scheme three weeks prior to the closure of the program? Will the government release the results of all inspections under the home insulation scheme and inspect all homes fitted under the program?

Julia Gillard (Lalor, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the member for his question. I draw his attention to a media statement released on this question by the Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency in which the minister confirms that insulation was installed at the property in question. He also confirms that he has been advised that the cause of the fire is still undetermined and investigations remain ongoing. As the member would probably be aware, the police are investigating the matter. I extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends. This is obviously a tragedy in which three people have died and police are taking appropriate steps.

On the question of inspections for home insulation, the member would be aware of the government’s program about home insulation inspections. I reiterate: if people have concerns, they should ring the safety hotline and the number is 131792.