Halt to insulation program is an industry distaster
21/Feb/2010
The Insulation Council of Australia and New Zealand said today, the Federal government’s sudden decision to halt the Energy Efficiency Home Program until June 2010, will be disastrous for all levels of the insulation industry.
“Without any consultation with industry and rational transitional arrangements in place, the insulation industry will now be thrown into complete disarray,” Dennis D’Arcy, CEO ICANZ said.
“Halting the program abruptly until June will see thousands of Australians out of work and many businesses across the country closed as a consequence.
“We can also expect that debt default by those involved in servicing this program could reach hundreds of millions of dollars unless effective transitional arrangements are put in place,” said Mr D’Arcy.
ICANZ is now seeking an urgent meeting with the Minister and Prime Minister to gain further clarity on this announcement and discuss measures to avoid crippling the Australian insulation industry; and provide immediate job security for workers and their families other than entering unemployment lines and asking for support from the Government’s Compact for Retrenched Workers.
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Media inquiries: Glenn Schaube: 0439 320 151 GRS Communications
