Former prime minister Kevin Rudd's record-high popularity stopped bureaucrats from opposing the home insulation scheme before its much-criticised rollout, an inquiry has heard.

Insulation consultant Kevin Herbert claims Mr Rudd's popularity rating of 73 per cent was used to discourage bureaucrats who raised potential safety issues with the program during a meeting in February, 2009.

Mr 73 per cent: Former prime minister Kevin Rudd in 2009. Credit:Paul Harris

Mr Herbert's statement to a royal commission says the potential for fatalities, as seen in New Zealand, was raised.

Prime minister's department staffer Andrew Wilson was also asked if Mr Rudd would consider looking at the issues before the scheme proceeded.