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Garrett's home insulation controversy was easily avoidable

23 February 2010

The Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett could have easily rolled out his ‘home insulation scheme’ by using the well tried tripartite framework of government, unions and employers being asked to provide expert advice and guidance.

The Federal ALP government could have simply called in the national building industry employer associations and relevant unions and quickly been made aware of what wages and working conditions apply and what OHS legislation, codes and guidance notes should have covered the work.

It is shocking to learn that the government instead relied on a “self-styled” Insulation Industry Council made up of just two companies that were making record sales and big profits since the inception of the Garrett scheme.

Such an important environmental initiative needed more attention to detail so that the installation program could have avoided shonky operators.   By definition these sham contractors work outside Australian Standards; take risks with health and safety; don’t invest in proper training and safety equipment; pay cash-in-hand and avoid tax obligations; don’t pay superannuation entitlements, annual leave or the right wages.   These practices are widely known about.

Mr Garrett should have asked some of his Cabinet and fellow caucus members such as Martin Ferguson (ex-ACTU), Simon Crean (ex-ACTU), Jennie George (ex-ACTU), Doug Cameron (ex-AMWU Secretary –ex ACTU Executive), Richard Marles (ex- ACTU), Bill Shorten (ex AWU – ex ACTU Executive) et al about how tripartite consultations actually work.   They would have surely pointed him in the right direction.

Now we have a situation where more legitimate contractors have had the supply of work cut-off because the ‘fly–by–night’ operators have undermined this important government initiative with their snouts in the trough mentality.

Unions would be quite willing to assist.   They only have to be asked.