Kevin Rudd promised “…We'll stand by workers again through this. Problems have been created through the change in government policy. Our job is now to get out there and fix it.”

(Source: Transcript of interview with Lyndal Curtis on ABC AM 25-02-2010)

“It is now clear those actions and words were nothing but spin,” said Mr Baldwin.

Yesterday the Rudd Labor Government announced that it would not reinstate the costly scheme. Minister Greg Combet was sent to conduct the media conference while Prime Minister Kevin Rudd stayed silent in Tasmania and refused to answer questions on radio.

“Mr Combet, the man labelled “Mr Fix It” has failed his first big challenge, failing to help our small and medium sized insulation businesses stay afloat – his title should be “Mr Failure,” said Mr Baldwin.

 “Innocent, reputable businesses which have been ruined by Labor’s scheme have been left in the cold again.

“Insulation business owners cannot access the $42 billion rescue package designed to help workers, even if that money would help them retain staff.

“To add further insult, they cannot yet access a $15 million package for businesses because Labor does not have it ready.

“This is a cruel hit to local businesses who are struggling to stay afloat, especially considering they are still owed thousands of dollars in Government rebates for work completed under the scheme,” said Mr Baldwin.

A number of insulation businesses in the Paterson electorate, including Hayes Insulation owned by Mr Barry Hayes and Insulmaster, owned by Mr Ron May, are still owed Government rebates despite Mr Baldwin raising their circumstances directly in Parliament and with Kevin Rudd.

Mr May said he also has more than $500,000 worth of insulation sitting idle, which he bought in good faith following Labor’s announcement of the scheme.

 “Kevin Rudd should help local small businesses, which are struggling to stay afloat,” said Mr Baldwin.

“They are waiting for rebates, they are waiting for assistance and they are waiting for the Government to help restore faith in the industry which it has devastated and abandoned.

“Mr Rudd is a fair weather Prime Minister, happy to make funding announcements but invisible when it comes to tough issues such as the scrapping of the Home Insulation Scheme.”