The coalition is pressing ahead with its plan for a royal commission into Labor's home insulation program.

Attorney-General George Brandis said cabinet had given the go-ahead for a detailed examination of the scheme, which cost four lives and caused extensive damage to property.

"This royal commission will give the families of the four young men - Matthew Fuller, Rueben Barnes, Mitchell Sweeney and Marcus Wilson - who died while installing insulation the answers they have been seeking," he said in a statement.

Senator Brandis said the government would soon recommend terms of reference to the Governor-General and the appointment of an eminent lawyer as royal commissioner.

Former Labor 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 and to achieve an environmental benefit.

It ended in 2010 in the wake of the four deaths and a succession of house fires. An inquest blamed the deaths of three of the workers on the rushed rollout.

The coalition promised a full inquiry during the election.

Senator Brandis said it would focus on the process of decisions to establish and implement the scheme, including the identification and management of risks and assessment.

It will also examine what advice, warnings or recommendations were given to or sought by the government.

The inquiry will assess whether any changes should be made to laws, practices, processes, procedures and systems.

Senator Brandis said the commission would assess all relevant matters from inception of the policy to its finalisation, including findings of coronial inquests and other inquiries.

He said the government consulted the families in developing the proposed terms of reference.

The commission will report by June 30, 2014.

A spokesman for Senator Brandis would not comment on whether Mr Rudd or former Labor environment minister Peter Garrett would be called to give evidence.