Rudd Government – realestatesource

TAXPAYERS will flip the costs defending the Rudd government against an expected 800 class action law suits, as a result of the bungled $2.5 billion home insulation program.

Insulation companies are seeking to recover costs associated with materials, training and other expenses incurred had the program continued until next December, as planned.

The insulators will also seek to be compensated for potential lost profits, until that time.

National

ALP Backs Down From Green Schemes

February 21, 2010 Marc Pallisco ALP, Ceiling Insulation Scheme, Environment Department, Green Loan Scheme, peter garrett, Rudd Government, stimulus package

THE Federal Government has scrapped its blotched $2.45 billion insulation scheme, designed to save jobs – but instead, now looking to cost them.

Environment Minister Peter Garrett announced the scheme’s termination on Friday February 19, describing the risks as “unacceptably high” – and releasing research from as far back as early 2008, warning the hugely expensive program could result in fraud, and house fires.

The Greens Loans program, and solar hot water scheme were also scrapped on Friday.
It’s reported up to 160,000 homes have been fitted with sub-standard ceiling batts “with minimal benefit to the environment”, while around 80,000 households face safety risks.

Victoria

Geelong Commission Flat Site Listed For Private Sale

March 15, 2010 Marc Pallisco affordable housing, Brumby Government, commission flats, Geelong, justin madden, Labor Party, public housing, Rudd Government, social housing

WHILE attention in Geelong’s this week has circled the ‘approved-by-stealth’ public-private housing redevelopment of the city’s former TAFE site, another high profile property – given the green light last year to become one of the federal government’s 80,000 social and affordable new dwellings – failed to sell at auction.

Grey concrete silos at 46 – 48 Mercer Street, at the corner of Roy Street, and near the town centre – has now been listed for private sale through Colliers International at $1.95 million.

A 40-unit affordable housing development has been approved to be developed within the walls of the high-rise silos, prominent on the drive in to Geelong.

The Rudd government aims to substantially boost the number of social and affordable houses nationally by 2012.