The ABC's AM (13/12/13) has reported that a Royal Commission has now been announced to investigate the decision processes surrounding the botched insulation scheme, and to determine whether the deaths of four men associated with the insulation installation could have been avoided.
Brisbane QC Ian Hanger has been appointed the Royal Commissioner and has announced its terms of reference. Reporting and investigation will occur into not only the serious injuries and deaths of young men, but also the effect the program has had on home insulation businesses.
Brisbane lawyer Bill Potts acting for Rueben Barnes' father, Murray Barnes, says he's pleased with the Royal Commission's terms of reference and said: "... what this inquest seeks to do is not merely inquire about the deaths but the circumstances that surrounded the deaths, the government decisions andthe ministerial input. And it's hoped that these boys' deaths will not be in vain if the Government can in fact legislate to prevent such failings from ever occurring again."
On the topic of whether Peter Garrett and Kevin Rudd should be called to witness, he noted: "I hope they will be. Again, I stress to you it's not a blame game but I'd really like to know and I'm sure many people in Australia would like to know what they knew and why they made decisions that were rushed."
The Royal Commission's report is expected due by the end of June 2014.
