Page 416 - Week 02 - Wednesday, 21 February 1990
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Asbestos Storage
MR MOORE: My question is addressed to the Minister for Finance and Urban Services. I refer to a very competent article by Leanne Mason in the Canberra Times this morning, in which she refers to Government contractors removing asbestos. In that article she referred to the contractors with BRS Asbestos Removals. Is the Minister aware that the President of the Oaks Estate Residents Association, which incidentally has been going since the very early 1950s, a Mr Peter Matthews, wishes to discuss the storage of asbestos by BRS at the weekends not 50 metres from residences, and that he has been told by the Minister's office that he will be unable to have an appointment to discuss this matter with him for up to three weeks? What action does the Minister plan to take to ease the concerns of residents, which have been expressed to the Oaks Estate Residents Association? I understand that his office has Mr Matthews' phone number.
MR DUBY: I thank Mr Moore for the question. The issues that he has raised are of concern. We all know of the dangers and problems that asbestos poses to the community. I have been in correspondence with Mr Matthews from the Oaks Estate Residents Association about the storage matters. I have dealt with queries that he has made of my office by means of a letter, and I do not believe he has expressed an interest in seeing me personally. I believe he has been able to discuss the matter fully with staff of the Asbestos Branch. That is the state of play at the moment. If Mr Matthews chooses to see me, my door is always open.
MR MOORE: I wish to ask a supplementary question, Mr Speaker. Considering that Mr Matthews has drawn attention to the fact that there were two containers there last weekend, would the Minister be prepared to see him as a matter of urgency?
MR DUBY: As I said, my door is always open. I stress that the disposal of asbestos throughout the Territory is very closely monitored, and I have every confidence that the procedures being used by the contractor are well within the guidelines that are accepted by my department. However, if Mr Matthews has a concern and wishes to continue it on a face-to-face basis with me, he is more than welcome to come and see me.
Gowrie Hostel
MR STEVENSON: My question is addressed to the Attorney-General who will no doubt be aware that there was a report in the Canberra Times this morning of the possible sale of the Gowrie hostel by the Federal Government. As Attorney-General, is he aware of any legal considerations to do with that proposed sale?
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