Rudd team to face inquiry

KEVIN Rudd will be ordered to reveal the secrets of his deadly home insulation program before a judicial inquiry to be commissioned by the Abbott Government.

Draft terms of reference exclusively obtained by the Sunday Territorian reveal the judicial commission will be far reaching and demand answers of the top echelons of the former Rudd government.

Matthew Fuller, Rueben Barnes, Mitchell Sweeney and Marcus Wilson died between 2009 and 2010 while installing insulation in the former government’s rush to save the economy after the global financial crisis.

Environment Minister Greg Hunt, who has previously called for Mr Rudd to release all correspondence between him and his ministers, wants the report finalised by June 30 next year. He also wants evidence given publicly and not behind closed doors.

The Sunday Territorian has obtained the draft terms of reference, showing plans for the commission are well progressed.

‘‘The Government is committed to a full inquiry into Kevin Rudd’s home insulation scheme that was linked to the tragic loss of four young lives,’’ Mr Hunt said.

The terms include: THE process and basis of government decisions while establishing the program, including risk assessment and management. WHETHER the death of the four men could have been avoided. WHAT if any advice or undertakings given by the government to the industry were inaccurate or deficient. WHAT steps the government should have taken to avoid the tragedies

The inquiry could also open the door to compensation payouts for families, business and homeowners.

Mr Rudd, Julia Gillard, Wayne Swan and Lindsay Tanner — plus then environment minister Peter Garrett and Parliamentary Secretary Mark Arbib — helped form or deliver the program.

Top bureaucrats also face intense scrutiny.

Mr Garrett and Mr Rudd did not comment yesterday.