Swaab’s aim is to approach the Government by the end of August. If a settlement cannot be negotiated Swaab is likely to recommend its clients take action in the Federal Court.
Swaab yesterday declined to comment.
Hunt & Hunt partner Andrew Hudson said last night the freight companies had “legitimate claims”.
One company participating in Hunt & Hunt’s action, Sydney freight forwarder AFL Ambassador, is owed more than $200,000 from a client which ordered insulation.
“My business has been seriously affected. Nothing is being done to assist businesses in my position,” AFL Ambassador director Mark Willis said.
Meanwhile, households nervous about insulation fitted in their homes may have to wait until next winter for a safety inspection.
If home inspections continue at the current rate, about 2000 per week, it would be at least 12 months before the remaining 109,000 batt-filled roofs are inspected. Four deaths and 190 fires have been linked to the scheme.
A new report by Coalition senators yesterday called for a royal commission to investigate the “gross and systemic failures” in the development and implementation of the program”, as well as the role of government ministers and senior executives.
It also recommended 1.2 million homes insulated under the scheme be inspected.