Families line up to sue as Peter Garrett suspends Countrywide

THE Rudd government is facing a legal storm over the bungled insulation scheme linked to at least four deaths.

THE Rudd government is facing a legal storm over the bungled insulation scheme linked to at least four deaths with at least three families considering suing for damages.

And new correspondence has revealed Environment Minister Peter Garrett was warned in October last year by the Master Electricians that “the potential for further fatalities cannot be dismissed”. Mr Garrett suspended the use of foil insulation only last week.

Master Electricians CEO Malcolm Richards wrote to Mr Garrett on October 16 last year after the first death of an installer in Brisbane warning members were “more and more concerned over the last six months, with reports of incidents increasing steadily”.

The letter called on Mr Garrett to immediately suspend the foil insulation program - which the government did not do for another four months - warning of “the potential for further fatalities”.

At least three families are now considering legal action against the government.

Colin Brierley, 63, of Windaroo in the Gold Coast hinterland, is the first to launch legal action against the government. He says he suffered a massive electrical shock and ended up in an induced coma just a week after he had foil insulation installed in his home.

The jolt of power went through his knee and exited his head.

The family of Rueben Barnes, who was electrocuted in a Rockhampton ceiling in November, has also told confirmed it is taking advice from a Melbourne lawyer.

Melbourne barrister John Ribbands told The Herald Sun newspaper: “The Government, in a headlong rush to establish its green credentials . . . threw billions of dollars into this half-arsed program without giving any real thought to the checks and balances needed to make sure it worked efficiently.”

And Wendy Sweeney, whose son Mitchell was also killed, is also considering legal action.

Mr Garrett confirmed today that Countrywide, the company that employed Matthew Fuller - who was electrocuted four months ago - had only just had been suspended from the scheme.

“There is a full investigation under way in relation to Countrywide and the case is that they are now suspended under this program,” Mr Garrett told ABC Radio today.

“All evidence in relation to this company, including additional allegations that have been made, will be fully and completely explored.

“My expectation, as it is with the other companies that have been alleged to have been involved with these terrible fatalities, is that action needs to be taken immediately.”