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Garrett cancels insulation rebate program

Environment Minister Peter Garrett has announced the end of the government's controversial insulation rebate scheme, after the deaths of several contractors.

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Source: SBS


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Environment Minister Peter Garrett has announced the end of the government's controversial insulation rebate scheme, after the deaths of several contractors.

The solar hot water rebate scheme has also been ended. Both will be replaced by a new household renewable energy bonus.

The $3.7 billion dollar insulation program - aimed at boosting the energy efficiency of Australian homes - was introduced last year as part of the government stimulus.

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About one million households have taken advantage of the scheme, but Mr Garrett has been under pressure following the revelation that four workers have died while installing various forms of insulation.

Experts said the trouble arose because the industry was unregulated, meaning untrained workers were being brought in to install insulation.

"It's been a free-for-all," Brian Tikey, president of the Aluminium Foil Insulation Association, told a Senate inquiry. "There's no duty of care."

Both schemes will end at close of business on Friday, Mr Garrett said.


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