NECA yet to be convinced by revamped insulation scheme

The electrical contracting industry has been thrust into the media spotlight recently as it was called upon to remedy the dangerous and sloppy work carried out under the government’s bungled Home Insulation Program, restoring peace of mind for householders around the nation.

Given the three deaths and more than a hundred house fires attributed to insulation installed under the program, it is no wonder that the public were apprehensive about their safety.

In February 2009, NECA was the first organisation to warn the government regarding potential dangers associated with installing thermal insulation in roof spaces near to electrical cables and other equipment, specifically downlights.

NECA was also the first organisation to call for mandatory electrical inspections prior to an installation being signed off, and again the warnings went unheeded.

Criticism directed at the government’s handling of the program, and especially their response after the initial deaths, has been well documented in the media.

The failed Home Insulation Program was cancelled on 19 February 2010, with the then Minister Peter Garrett announcing a replacement program, the Renewable Energy Bonus Scheme, scheduled to launch on 1 June 2010.

NECA has grave concerns about the relaunch of the program at such an early date, which does not appear to provide sufficient time to properly address the flaws in the failed program.

The lack of consistent consultation with stakeholders means that NECA has yet to be persuaded that the community should have any confidence in the safe delivery of a relaunched program.

The level of public awareness around electrical safety issues is at an all-time high, and now is the time for NECA, and the industry as a whole, to draw attention to faulty and potentially dangerous electrical installations such as old wiring or legacy DIY work.

NECA will continue to push for mandated measures such as home inspections prior to sale and compulsory retrofitting of RCDs, in a bid to create a safe work environment for contractors and restore confidence to the community.