Coronial inquest to be held into insulation death

Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie has ordered a coronial inquest into the death of Mr Matthew James Fuller, who died while installing foil insulation at a home in Meadowbrook in October 2009.

Mr Fuller, who was 25, was electrocuted when he shot a metal staple into a live electrical cable while installing foil insulation as part of the Rudd Government’s Home Insulation Program.

His partner, Monique Pridmore, was working with him in the roof at the time and suffered serious injuries as she tried to assist Mr Fuller.

Their employer, QHI, was later fined $100,000 for failing to conduct its business in a way that was electrically safe.

Mr Bleijie said he had ordered the State Coroner to conduct an inquest after an initial request from Mr Fuller’s parents was declined because of other ongoing investigations.

“I have asked the Coroner to open an inquest into Mr Fuller’s death as I believe this is a matter of great public interest,” Mr Bleijie said.

“Two weeks after Mr Fuller’s death, then-Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett wrote to then-Queensland Attorney-General Cameron Dick recommending he conduct a coronial inquest into the death.

“Mr Garrett indicated Mr Fuller’s death had highlighted safety concerns and the outcome of the inquest could have implications for the program and the wider insulation industry.

“However, an inquest was never held and three more installers died before the program was ended in February 2010.

“Mr Fuller’s family also applied to the District Court to have an inquest held, but three years on this still hasn’t happened.

“This family deserves to have this heard in an open court by the coroner and recommendations need to be made so that as a society we can learn from the mistakes of the past.

“When the insulation program was rolled out, a number of concerns were raised about the level of training offered and the lack of risk assessment conducted.

“Unfortunately, it took the loss of four young lives in similar circumstances before the program was canned and questions need to be answered.”

Media Contact: Matt Johnston 0432 535 893