Thank You one and all for your civilised responses.
In politics blame will be sought and applied no
matter what the circumstances in the interest
of political gain. After all it is not about pink batts,
energy conservation, building regulations, but putting
blame on the opposing politicians to score points in
the public domain during an election year.
At least, we've been able to take part in a more
meaningful discussion on this topic - raising some very
valid points.

Nothing wrong with the HIP idea, but plenty wrong in the way the Rudd govt implemented it. My academic piece has been vindicated by all official inquiries so far, the Rudd govt was a joke in regard to the HIP.

Lexi, "After all it is not about pink batts, energy conservation, building regulations, but putting blame on the opposing politicians to score points in the public domain during an election year."

Accountability doesn't stop when the government thinks it might have an election. It is right and proper that ministers and Prime ministers are held accountable for their decisions.

Home insulation was a turkey decision from the start. PM Rudd over-ruled the responsible minister and went ahead precipitously against the advice of the responsible minister and others. There has to be accountability for that and so far, Mr Rudd has tendered an apology, that is all.

The Westminster system of government in Australia must have changed a lot because it isn't so long ago that a minister, in this case a Prime Minister, would have tendered his resignation. Some would say that Mr Rudd shows considerable gall for a quick apology then zip.

onthebeach,

Talking about "accountability," :

http://www.independentaustralia.net/2011/politics/throwing-truth-overboard-to-win-an-election/

SIEVX also comes to mind.

And:

http://www.independentaustralia.net/2013/politics/rudds-return-ruffles-reckless-abbott/

Clearly Mr Abbott prefers not to discuss his own "sins" of the
past or those of Mr Howard, nor does he want to discuss policies,
or debate, all he wants is to keep on taking pot shots at
the PM. Although I suspect he and the Coalition are not going to
be so successful this time around. I predict a change of
leadership before long.

BTW: According to Dennis Pryor in his booklet,
"Political Pryorities," he tells us that:

"Westminster System - The illusion that the Australian
government works, or should work, on the same principles
as the British government. The similarities between the
two systems are largely those of decor, like the use
of the mace. The major difference between the two systems
is that Australia is a federation, a concept totally
incomprehensible to the British. An appeal to the
"Westminster system" is a slogan used by Opposition parties
in an attempt to trick their opponents into foolish
resignations."

How easily you pass off deaths, Lexi.

Rudd was personally responsible for the insulation decisions and he should resign. A dismissive 'Sorry, I have to Zip' is not enough.

Not only did Rudd waste taxpayers' money on the ill-conceived home insulation debacle but the Australian taxpayer is now likely to pay for compensation to victims' families, which is the only decent thing to do.

Lexi,

The accusation was not made by one politician against another. This was made by the coroner, an independent Judge.

Secondly the "accountability" you call for

1 The Siev X - a foreign vessel piloted by foreigners sinking in international waters. Why does any Australian bear any responsibility?
2 Children over board. Again a foreign vessel in international waters. The claims were originally made by navy servicemen, and repeated by the coalition at the time.

Finally, Rudd then bears responsibility for the hundreds/thousands lost at sea since he started the boats.