Batts inquiry start date announced December 12, 2013 - 10:23PM The federal royal commission into Labor's home insulation program, which cost four lives and caused extensive property damage, is set to begin before Christmas. Former prime minister Kevin Rudd launched the $2.8 billion "pink batts" scheme in 2008 to inject cash into the economy during the global financial crisis. It ran until 2010. The commission, which is investigating whether the then-government's practices contributed to the deaths and damage, will commence with a preliminary hearing in Brisbane on the morning of December 23. The Governor-General, Quentin Bryce, has appointed Mr Ian Hanger AM QC to head the inquiry. She has also asked whether laws or practices should be altered to "prevent the recurrence of any failure identified by the inquiry." Four young men died while undertaking installations funded by the Home Insulation Program. There are claims of homes sustaining damage and businesses suffering financial loss," Mr Hanger said. This Royal Commission will investigate whether the way that the Australian government established and implemented the home insulation program contributed to these consequences. In July, a Queensland coroner found the rushed rollout of the scheme was a significant factor in the deaths of Queensland batt installers Mitchell Sweeney, Matthew Fuller and Rueben Barnes. In New South Wales, 19-year-old Marcus Wilson, died on his first day on the job after suffering heat stroke. The coroner cited "inadequate" training and "lax" supervision as factors in the tragedies. Anyone who wishes to appear before the commission as a witness must apply by 4pm (AEDT) December 18. Further information is available at www.homeinsulationroyalcommission.gov.au