Home Insulation Program

Mr Fletcher asked the Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, in writing, on 7 February 2012:

Before, during or after the implementation of the Home Insulation Program, did the Government request any legal advice concerning the legality of the scheme, including whether the scheme was constitutional; if so, in each case, when, by whom, and from whom was the advice requested, and can he indicate the general nature of the advice that was sought.

Mr Combet: The answer to the honourable member’s question is as follows:

Advice was received in 2009 from the Attorney-General’s Department regarding the Commonwealth’s constitutional powers in relation to the expenditure of funds.