Despite asbestos being completely banned in Australia since December 2003 over 4,000 Australians die each year due to to asbestos exposure.
Phase Three of the Asbestos National Strategic Plan 2024-2030 is currently under consideration by Work Health and Safety Ministers and aims to remove over 6 million tonnes of asbestos from buildings over the next 40 years, potentially saving 28,000 lives.
The plan was developed by the Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency (ASSEA) in consultation with various stakeholders, including Unons, and involves significant workplace law reforms and actions to eliminate asbestos-related diseases, support affected individuals, and advocate for a global asbestos ban.
The discovery of asbestos-contaminated materials in several Australian regions has served as a timely reminder of the ongoing risks.
Approximately 6.2 million tonnes of asbestos remain in buildings, with asbestos present in about one-third of homes. Aging materials pose increasing risks of releasing dangerous fibres, especially in extreme weather or disaster events.
Key strategies in the plan include revising regulations, empowering regulators and HSRs, improving identification and removal of asbestos from homes, and advocating for a global asbestos ban. The plan also focuses on improving the quality of life for those with asbestos-related diseases through better diagnosis, treatment, and support.
If safe removal efforts aren't prioritised, the modeling suggests that there could still be around 1 million tonnes of asbestos in homes and workplaces by 2060, with lingering risks until at least 2100.
The Work Health and Safety (WHS) Ministers met on 10 May and resoved to work towards endorsing Stage 3 by June 19. They requested that Safe Work Australia (SWA) collaborate with the Australian Strategic Safety and Environmental Assurance (ASSEA) on relevant actions and to develop a work plan for the endorsed Phase 3.
Ministers also agreed to convene annually to review progress against the Plan.