Australian Electrical Controversy Won't die

February 15, 2010 - 1:40PM
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Embattled federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett says he did not need to attend a meeting between government officials and electrical contractors on the controversial home insulation scheme.

Mr Garrett has been under fire over the $3.7 billion program, which has been linked to four deaths.

The opposition has called repeatedly for Mr Garrett to be sacked for letting the insulation scheme continue despite knowing of the lethal risks associated with installing foil insulation.

Mr Garrett is now being criticised for missing today's meeting in Canberra, choosing instead to launch a new $10 million nature survey program at New England National Park in northern NSW.

But he said there was no need for him to attend the meeting, which he instigated, because department officials would report back to him about electrical contractors' concerns.

"I don't go to technical experts' meetings in the normal course of events - my officials go to those meetings," he told reporters in Darkwood in the national park.

"They'll provide me with the appropriate reports and I'll listen to those discussions that have been undertaken.

"There are going to be some silly bits of claim and counter claim as part of the political debate.

"This is a very important announcement (on a biodiversity survey) that we've made today, (but) I'm pleased that the meeting I wanted to take place is happening in Canberra as well."

Mr Garrett defended the insulation program as "one of the most significant energy-efficiency programs that we've ever seen".

"It will leave a tremendous legacy of homes insulated, and safety has always been a priority for us under this program," he said.

"Any installers ... not fulfilling the requirements ... will be dealt with appropriately."

Mr Garrett said he had spoken to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd about the controversy surrounding the insulation scheme and welcomed his support.

On Sunday Mr Rudd defended the actions of his environment minister in setting up the insulation program.

"I think the prime minister's very strong and clear statements of support for my performance are there on the record," Mr Garrett said.

AAP