Safety in the spotlight this National Asbestos Awareness Week

This National Asbestos Awareness Week (25 November to 1 December), the Albanese Government recognises the deadly impact of asbestos on the lives of Australians.

While it has been more than 20 years since Australia banned its usage, asbestos-related diseases still claim the lives of 4,000 Australians annually.

Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Murray Watt urged everyone to be particularly vigilant when renovating homes built before 1990, which have a high likelihood of containing asbestos. Simple additions to households, including installing security cameras, can release asbestos fibres. When inhaled, this can lead to serious health issues including lung cancer and mesothelioma.

“We are still feeling the impacts of Australia’s deadly legacy with asbestos, which still remains in our built environment,” Minister Watt said.

“As this material ages, the chances of it releasing harmful fibres increases, particularly when disturbed so anyone undertaking renovation projects should seek advice from professionals.

“The Albanese Government understands the tragic impact asbestos has had on many Australians, including in many cases, tragic loss of life. This week in particular, our thoughts are with those families still grieving.”

The Albanese Government is continuing to take action to combat the country’s asbestos legacy with Phase 3 of the Asbestos National Strategic Plan 2024-2030 recently endorsed by all governments.

The plan, developed by the Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency in consultation with stakeholders, focuses on practical solutions to safely remove ageing asbestos from Australia’s built environment.

The Albanese Government has also taken urgent action to prevent the spread of impacts of a similarly debilitating building material – silica.

The inaugural Silica National Strategic Plan 2024-2030 has been endorsed by Commonwealth, state and territory governments.

The plan aims to eliminate silica-related diseases in Australia, including the deadly lung disease silicosis, and supporting workers and others who have been affected by these diseases.

Australia has also introduced a world first ban on the use, supply and manufacture of engineered stone products nationally – which commenced on 1 July 2024.

The importation of engineered stone products has also been banned, commencing on 1 January 2025.