RUDD MUST NOW RELEASE KEY HOME INSULATION DOCUMENTS

The belated apology from Prime Minister Kevin Rudd over the home insulation program does not erase the key findings of the Coroner – that had the Government not rushed the program, four young men would still be alive today.

It was only last week in Question Time, that Mr Rudd refused to apologise or release key documents warning him of the problems.

The apology, four years after the event, is a first step.

Mr Rudd must now release all 10 warnings that he personally received – and any others which may exist but to date we are not aware of, and most importantly the four letters directly from Minister Garrett:

o 14 August 2009, letter from Mr Garrett
o 27 August 2009, letter from Mr Garrett
o 22 October 2009, Cabinet committee discussed safety issues
o 28 October 2009, letter from Mr Garrett
o 30 October 2009, letter from Mr Garrett and
o 19 February 2010, Cabinet committee meeting
o 4 additional warnings provided to the Prime Minister by his own department between August 2009 and March 2010 (confirmed by departmental evidence on 12 March 2010)

Tony Abbott last week wrote to Mr Rudd seeking the documents. Likewise I have written to the new Minister Mark Butler also seeking his co-operation in making public the full information behind this tragic program.

An apology is a start but if we are to ensure there is no repeat of such a program, then full disclosure from the Government and Prime Minister Rudd who oversaw the rushed roll-out, is essential, particularly in light of the damning findings from the Queensland coroner.
The Hon Greg Hunt MP Member for Flinders Shadow Minister for Climate Action, Environment and Heritage