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Qld family calls for personal Rudd apology

The family of a tradesman killed while installing insulation under a Rudd government scheme say the prime minister owes them and the community an apology.

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Source: AAP


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The family of a tradesman killed while installing insulation under a Rudd government scheme say the prime minister owes them and the community an apology.

Matthew Fuller was one of three Queensland men who died while working on the first Rudd government's botched home insulation scheme.

A fourth victim, Marcus Wilson, 19, died of organ failure after collapsing in extreme heat while installing insulation in NSW.

State Coroner Michael Barnes ruled on Thursday the scheme's rushed rollout had been a significant factor in the three Queensland deaths.

Kevin Rudd issued a public apology from Jakarta on Thursday over the men's deaths. But the Fuller family have joined the call from the family of another Queensland victim, Mitchell Sweeney, for a face-to-face apology from the prime minister.

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"While the prime minister's comments are a step in the right direction, we believe that a formal apology should also be made in person to the families of the deceased," the Fuller family said in a statement.

"We also believe an apology to the community for putting people at risk is in order."

Fuller's mother Christine told national television on Thursday night, shortly before Mr Rudd's apology, that she would "like for him to disappear" when asked what she wanted from Mr Rudd in the wake of the Coroner's findings.

The Fuller family's statement said they were considering their position but that it was "important that the recommendations made (by the Coroner) are properly implemented".


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