Free government insulation, a great move

The Australian Government's Energy Efficient Homesgovernment insulation mechanism are reminded that
Package will install ceiling insulation in many Australianthe terms and conditions of the Program require that
homes. This practical step will create jobs, help millionsall installers participating in the Program have relevant
of households reduce their energy use, cut theirOHS Training. In addition they must have one or
power bills by up to $700 a year, and increase themore of the following: Trade specific competency;
comfort and value of their homes. This free insulationInsulation Specific competency or Prior (insulation)
provides assistance up to $1,200 for AustralianIndustry experience. If an installer does not have the
Householders, including Owner-Occupiers, Landlordsabove competencies, they must be supervised by
and Tenants of currently uninsulated homes orsomeone who does have them. Householders may
homes with very little ceiling insulation. This will makenot install their own free insulation for two reasons.
Australian homes energy efficient and boost theFirst, an aim of the program is to create jobs. But
economy as well.importantly the second reason is to ensure that
This is a great operation being performed in the citygovernment insulation is installed by suitably trained
and necessary precautions have been taken by theand qualified installers whose work is supervised. To
government insulation authorities to assign the job ofbe eligible for the Home Insulation Program, insulation
insulating the homes in the city to highly crediblematerials must meet the insulation product standard
organizations that have wide ranging expertise in thisAS/NZ 4859.1:2002 (incorporating Amendment 1, Dec
field. Every single worker at these organizations is2006) 'Materials for the Thermal Insulation of
fully trained and adept at his job. Installers ofBuildings'.