Page 1887 - Week 09 - Thursday, 19 October 1989
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Asbestos Removal
MR STEFANIAK: My question is also to the Minister for Industry, Employment and Education, and it has got nothing to do with cosmetics.
Mr Kaine: The answer might be cosmetic.
MR STEFANIAK: It could be, too. Mr Speaker, is the Minister doing anything to alter the totally inappropriate prescribed safety procedures set down by the ACT Administration for the removal of asbestos cement sheeting in buildings and houses and, if not, why not?
Mrs Grassby: That was a question yesterday, because I have the answer.
MR WHALAN: Do you want me to read that?
Mr Kaine: Is this another dorothy dixer that has gone to the wrong Minister?
MR STEFANIAK: I think it is a different question?
MR WHALAN: Thank you, Bill. My answer to the member's question is as follows: the current legislation was enacted before self-government and requires removal of asbestos sheeting by a licensed asbestos removalist. The number of removalists is determined by market forces. Asbestos sheeting may contain 20 to 30 per cent asbestos and, if not handled carefully, could pose a risk to public health. While it remains in place, it does not present any significant risk to health. The current removal procedures may have been appropriate at the time they were introduced, but ACT builders now have a better appreciation of the problem. I am aware of the demands of the current requirements and have asked my department to review them, bearing in mind the need to ensure worker safety.
Mr Kaine: Your department?
MR WHALAN: Your department. She has asked her department to review them, bearing in mind the need to ensure worker safety. A draft building note detailing possible future procedures is being discussed with industry and unions. She believes that the suggested procedures should meet the wishes of all groups while ensuring that public health is not jeopardised. She sees no reason at this stage for the Government to consider meeting the relatively small cost of asbestos sheeting removal required by owners who are undertaking extensions or renovations.
MR STEFANIAK: I ask a supplementary question, Mr Speaker. I am not quite sure whether that question was the same, Minister. However, I ask either you or Mrs Grassby: when can we expect that review to be completed and will the Minister justify what she refers to as "a minor cost"? On my information, it is a potentially huge cost.
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