Asbestos Awareness Week
Monday, 21 November 2011
The Workplace Relations Minister, David O’Byrne, and Tasmanian Labor Senator, Lisa Singh, today marked the start of Asbestos Awareness Week (November 21st – 27th).
The week presents an important opportunity to focus on asbestos education – including the improvements achieved so far, and the work that’s still to be done.
Mr O’Byrne recently launched Tasmania’s first Asbestos Compensation Scheme, which allows current and former workers suffering asbestos-related diseases to receive up to $500,000 in timely compensation.
“Nothing can ever truly compensate workers and families for the terrible pain caused by asbestos-related disease. But this scheme at least offers some comfort, dignity and medical support at an extremely difficult time,” Mr O’Byrne said.
Mr O’Byrne said asbestos education is also crucial in the fight to prevent asbestos-related diseases.
“In August, I launched Tasmania’s new asbestos website highlighting the risks involved in dealing with the toxic substance,” he said.
“The website informs builders, tradesmen and home renovators about asbestos products they might find in homes and workplaces, as well as what to do if they discover asbestos in a building.
“Along with the Tasmanian Government’s other educational resources, the asbestos website is a key part of our efforts to keep Tasmanians smart and safe against asbestos.
“$180,000 has also been provided to the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Unions Tasmania and Asbestos Free Tasmania to teach workers about avoiding exposure, and protecting their health.
“We know there’s more to be done. We’ll keep working hard in the fight to boost awareness and safety,” he said.
The website is designed to be practical and easily understood. It can be found at www.asbestos.tas.gov.au.
Mr O’Byrne and Senator Singh have welcomed the increased profile of asbestos in recent years, in Tasmania and nationally.
“Asbestos is a dangerous carcinogen that is still found in too many Tasmanian homes and workplaces, and too many people remain unaware of the dangers it,” Senator Singh said.
“At a national level, the Gillard Labor Government is undertaking an Asbestos Management Review to plan the future direction of asbestos management in Australia.
“This national approach will address the raising of awareness around this carcinogen, as well as the management of the identification, removal and disposal of asbestos,” she said.
Senator Singh said asbestos management was a difficult policy area as it fell across all three tiers of government.
“Local, State and Federal governments need to work together to ensure the identification, removal and disposal of asbestos occurs in a safe and responsible way,” she said.
Senator Singh said the Asbestos Management Review Committee had received 57 submissions from a wide range of stakeholders, including one from the Workplace Standards Tasmania Asbestos Unit.
“It is great to see the Tasmanian Government contributing to this national review because we do all need to work together,” she said.
Asbestos Awareness Week also offers an opportunity for Tasmanians to remember the hundreds of people who have lost their live as a result of asbestos exposure.
Further Information:
Rowan Dix (Minister O’Byrne) - 0457 542164
Eliza Grey (Senator Singh) – 0411 444550