Home Insulation Program

Mr Fletcher asked the Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, in writing, on 14 August 2012:

(1) In respect of a report (Ref No. 4301990) made to his department of a company allegedly making a fraudulent claim under the Home Insulation Program for insulation installed at an apartment complex in Turramurra without consent of the owners corporation, has this company been (a) contacted by or on behalf of the Government, (b) asked to (i) provide its account of the circumstances, and (ii) reimburse any monies claimed, (c) referred to the relevant authorities, and (d) prosecuted.

(2) What (a) sum did this company receive for its claim, and (b) cost did the Government incur for inspecting the premises subsequent to the allegation being reported.

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

(1) (a) Yes, the company has been contacted by the Department.

(b) (i). Yes, the company has been asked to provide its account of the circumstances to the Department.

(ii) No, the company has not yet been asked to reimburse any monies owing as an ongoing investigation has not been finalised.

(c) No, the Department has not referred the company to outside authorities. The Department's internal Investigation and Intelligence Branch are conducting a criminal investigation under the Commonwealth Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). At the conclusion of the investigation a decision will be made whether to refer the company to the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.

(d) No, the Department's criminal investigation is ongoing.

(2) (a) The company has not received any payment in respect of the Turramurra premises

(b) The cost of inspections relating to the Turramurra property was $7,386.00 (ex GST).