Garrett Grilled Over Insulation

Federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has again called for the resignation of Environment Minister Peter Garrett as part of a Coalition censure motion tabled during Question Time.

Mr Garrett was repeatedly questioned in Parliament over a risk assessment report that was handed to the Environment Department last April.

The Minter Ellison report highlights the possibility of house fires and shonky installation practices. Mr Garrett says he only read the report in full “last week”.

Mr Abbott says this is inconceivable. He says the revelation is more evidence the embattled Minister should be sacked.

Moving a censure motion against Mr Garrett, Mr Abbott said the Minister was in “electrocution denial”.

“This program was a slow-motion train wreck,” he said, adding that Mr Garrett was repeatedly warned by state governments and industry bodies that the program was risky.

Mr Abbott says Mr Garrett must explain why the warnings were not heeded.

The public servant in charge of the Environment Department apologised this morning for the deaths of installers working under the scheme.

Appearing at a Senate inquiry in Canberra, department secretary Robyn Kruk said she wanted to place on the record her recognition of the loss suffered by the affected families.

22 February 10

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• Slowing Consumer Demand may 'Impact' Traders
• Rain Eases but Flood Warning Remains
• Rego Hike Sparks Backlash
• Garrett Grilled Over Insulation
• Rates Cap a Con
• Police Say More Officers Needed at Riot Scene
• Kyogle Pheonix from the Ashes
• Worst Yet to Come for Queensland Builders
• Flood Warning for Northern Rivers
• Maclean Council Consider Supermarket Plan
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• Students Protest over School Brawl Death
• Rudd in Lismore for Health Talks
• Government Plans to Increase Fuel
• Sleepers Boost Grafton Jobs
• NSW Floods Recede
• Northern NSW Firefighters Offer Vic Help
• Stimulus Package Sent to Senate

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