Asbestos Policy

Principles

The Greens NSW will:

1. Liaise with and support the Asbestos Disease Foundation of Australia Inc. wherever possible;
2. Seek legislative changes to immediately ban the current use of asbestos in Australia without any phase-out exemptions;
3. Seek legislative changes to ensure that buildings erected before 1982 must be checked for the existence of asbestos. If there is asbestos present this must be reported to the prospective purchaser of the property;
4. Seek legislative changes to ensure that anyone applying to renovate buildings constructed before 1982 must check for the existence of asbestos and be instructed in the safe handling of the asbestos product;
5. Work towards the establishment of a truly independent Research Institute for Asbestos Diseases;
6. Work towards the establishment of a Federal Senate Committee to investigate how Australians should handle the rising number of asbestos victims and how these victims should be supported. At present victims in each State/Territory have varying levels of assistance. The Committee should:

• 6.1 Investigate fully the current and expected situation and how the manufacturers of these products should be involved in the assistance to victims and prevention of further victims in Australia; and
• 6.2 Look at the support provided by the Dust Diseases Board in NSW in an effort to determine what action should be taken at the Federal level;

7. Seek legislative changes to enforce an immediate ban the import of asbestos and asbestos products into Australia – without any phase-out exemptions;
8. Work towards the immediate introduction of a national education program to engage with the appropriate authorities, anti-cancer councils and community groups and warn the Australian people about how to handle the asbestos currently in the environment to prevent further exposure;
9. In local government:

• 9.1 Seek to develop education and identification campaigns for home and building owners on the presence and dangers of asbestos and home and commercial motor mechanics who will continue to be exposed to brake pads containing asbestos after the importation ban comes into effect;
• 9.2 Seek to ensure that buildings constructed before 1982 are checked for the existence of asbestos and if there is asbestos present, ensure it is reported to any prospective purchaser of the property;
• 9.3 Ensure that the disposal of asbestos waste is safe and without risks to residents and workers; and
• 9.4 Establish licensed asbestos removalists at the local government level for use by residents.