The scheme, under which home owners were encouraged to install so-called pink batts to conserve energy while stimulating the economy, claimed the lives of four young installers.
Donning a blue tie, new glasses and a small grin that sporadically replaced an expression of composed concern, Mr Rudd sat listening as his lawyer discussed the legalities of his 31-page statement to the inquiry. The Commonwealth has requested that parts of Mr Rudd’s statement be redacted due to matters of cabinet in confidence and parliamentary privilege. But Rudd’s lawyer, Brett Walker SC, argued that his statement should be released in full.
“Mr Rudd will not be able to give his account faithfully and truthfully if the statement is redacted”, Mr Walker said.
Mr Rudd walked through the doors of the Brisbane Magistrates Court alone at 4 o’clock on Wednesday afternoon, in his first public appearance in Australia since losing the Federal election last September.
The former Prime Minister is expected to tell the inquiry whether he was aware of the safety risks of the home insulation program, which was introduced by the Rudd Government in 2009.
The quick roll-out of the $2.8 billion stimulus program has been linked to 224 house fires, as well as the four deaths.
Former Environment Minister Peter Garrett yesterday took some responsibility for the failed scheme. But he says that others in the government and department should share the blame.
In his written statement Mr Garrett says Mr Rudd had ultimate control over the program. Mr Garrett said he wrote to Mr Rudd with concerns about the program at least five times.
“I was required to seek executive approval for any changes to the guidelines that (were) a departure from the initial government decision,” said Mr Garrett, who finally cancelled the program in 2010.
He said that Mr Rudd had ignored a written request to toughen restrictions for installers and force homeowners to obtain two installation quotes before commencing with the scheme. Kevin Rudd approved this in another request by Mr Garrett after the first installer’s death in October 2009.
Mr Rudd has always claimed he was “too far removed” from the scheme to bear responsibility.
Former Labor Senator Mark Arbib took the stand earlier this week and told the inquiry he was responsible for selling the scheme, not designing the program.
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