Canberra, Thursday 29 October 2009
The Senate Environment Committee will look into a comprehensive roll-out of safe and effective insulation for Australian homes and businesses after the Greens today amended and then supported a Coalition reference on the issue.
The Greens’ amendments ensured that an inquiry that would have been a worthwhile but narrow investigation into malpractice in home insulation will now also investigate the tremendous potential for insulation to create jobs, save money and save the climate.
“I am delighted that the possibility of expanding the insulation scheme to cover walls, floors, windows and small businesses will now be examined,” Australian Greens Deputy Leader, Senator Christine Milne said.
“Insulating Australian homes and businesses properly is a win for everyone – it saves householders money on their energy bills, creates jobs and reduces our impact on the climate.
“It is absolutely critical that the community can have confidence in the vital roll-out of insulation in homes across the country.
“If the community loses confidence in insulation, the Rudd Government will have to wear the blame thanks to their bungling of the roll-out, just as they should wear the blame for the bungling of the renewable energy target.
“It’s not good enough to identify a problem and take some kind of action. The action has to actually deal with the problem effectively or it will be a triumph of spin over substance.
“I look forward to the Senate Inquiry demonstrating the tremendous multiple benefits from properly insulating homes and businesses across Australia and recommending a well-designed comprehensive roll-out of good quality insulation.”
Senator Christine Milne
