Royal Commission into insulation program hearings begins

The Royal Commission into the Home Insulation Program’s second round of hearings has begun in Brisbane. The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) has welcomed the investigation.

“NECA believes this will lead to a definitive conclusion to ensure future governments learn from this tragic mistake,” said Suresh Manickam, CEO of NECA.

“We offered to help with the design of this program late in 2008, and wrote to the Minister leading the program, Peter Garrett, in March 2009 expressing our concerns. However, it would appear that our advice was not heeded.”

In the letter, NECA raised concerns about the dangers of thermal insulation being installed incorrectly near electrical equipment and cables, particularly halogen downlights. “These fittings run at very high temperatures and the incorrect installation of thermal insulation nearby has been the cause of many fires throughout Australia,” wrote James Tinslay, the CEO of NECA at the time.

While electrical contractors are familiar with Australian Standards relating to the installation of insulation near lighting, Tinslay wrote, “it is apparent that many installers of thermal insulation are not”.

Tinslay called for thermal insulation installers to be obliged to complete a one-day TAFE course as a minimum eligibility requirement to ensure that the insulation was safely installed. NECA recommended that the government also inform the general public about the need for appropriate training for insulation installers.

NECA has been summoned to produce documentation for the Commission and says it will cooperate fully.

“We hope this Royal Commission will give the families affected some comfort and closure. Importantly, we hope that processes will change so we can avoid the repeat of such a tragedy in the future,” Manickam said.