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Opposition demands insulation audit

The opposition has demanded that the government audit homes where potentially deadly foil insulation was installed under a rebate scheme.

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Source: AAP


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The opposition has demanded the federal government audit homes that have installed potentially deadly foil insulation under its rebate scheme.

Environment Minister Peter Garrett on Tuesday suspended the use of foil insulation under its Home Insulation Program, citing safety concerns.

The move comes after four deaths blamed on metallic insulation - three of them in Queensland.

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The industry group Master Electricians Australia fears others could be electrocuted in houses that may be 'live' due to incorrect installation.

The opposition's climate action spokesman Greg Hunt said Mr Garrett owed it to householders to offer them a safety audit.

"The missing element in his response is that there is absolutely no commitment to audit every house that has been installed with potentially lethal and faulty insulation," Mr Hunt said in a statement.

"We know from advice received from the electrical sector that there are potentially another 60 homes with deadly electrified roofs in Queensland - based on faulty installations discovered to date."


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