Answers to Questions

RESIDENTIAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY SCHEME

In reply to the Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (15 September 2010).

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Public Sector Management, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister for Gambling): I am advised:

1. Several building work contractors who operated both under the Residential Energy Efficiency Scheme (REES) and the Commonwealth's Home Insulation Program have been investigated by the Office of Consumer and Business Affairs (OCBA).

In order to pursue legal action, OCBA requires sufficient evidence to prove each aspect of an offence including evidence of unsafe or substandard work to support each case. This information was held by the Commonwealth and safety and quality audit information was supplied in December 2010.

An Initial investigation of the 15 installers of interest against the information provided by the Commonwealth determined that 14 installers would not be pursued for various reasons. These included that:

the information supplied from the Commonwealth did not indicate sufficient evidence for action to be taken;

the installer was no longer in business or had disappeared ; and

an appropriate OCBA licence has subsequently been granted.

Further detailed insulation inspection documents submitted to the Federal Government by its subcontractors, including photographs and detailed audit observations were sought and provided by the Commonwealth in late January 2011.

The investigation against the targeted installer is progressing and is well advanced.