Communique from asbestos conference

The Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency facilitated Australia’s Inaugural International Conference on Asbestos Awareness and Management from 16-19 November in Melbourne. It featured over 260 international experts in asbestos and industry, employer groups, unions, governments at all levels, researchers, medical experts and health professionals, community groups, and victims of asbestos-related diseases. This represents the diverse stakeholders who are affected by asbestos and asbestos-related diseases. The conference discussed current challenges and practical solutions to addressing Australia’s asbestos legacy.

Following two days of presentations, discussion and debate, the participants of the conference agreed to continue working together towards an asbestos-free Australia, through ongoing collaboration and communication between industry, employer groups, unions, governments at all levels, researchers, medical experts and health professionals, community groups and victims of asbestos-related diseases. The conference calls for continuing partnerships, working across communities and borders to support awareness and action.

Asbestos is a global problem which needs a global solution. The international delegates support the work Australia is doing to promote asbestos awareness and management, and commend the Australian Government for establishing the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency and Council.

It is the consensus of all delegates that all forms of asbestos fibres kill and the only solution is to eliminate the sources. There is no known safe level of exposure to asbestos. This conference finds no scientific evidence to support the concept of controlled use advocated by some in the asbestos producing industry. There are no valid reasons for the sale of asbestos to remain legal in any country.

Australia has a leadership role to play globally and, in particular, in the Asia Pacific, by helping developing countries transition from asbestos-dependent to asbestos-free societies. Australia’s asbestos legacy in the built environment remains an ongoing challenge for all levels of government, business and the community to identify practical solutions and eliminate the risk.

The general public should not be expected to manage the risks posed by asbestos without assistance or education. The conference calls for improved asbestos awareness training and stronger enforcement and penalties for those who do not comply with asbestos regulations.

There are considerable costs and health risks in managing and maintaining asbestos. Case studies presented at the conference demonstrate that when government and industry work together, cost-effective strategies can be developed to remove asbestos. For example, Ergon Energy presented a case study on how industry can deliver a prioritised removal program and make effective use of information technology.

The conference commends the work of government, industry and remote Indigenous communities in coming together to deliver asbestos removal programs and calls for more focus on the challenges faced by remote communities to reduce asbestos risks.

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) government’s response to demolish Mr Fluffy homes is acknowledged as the only enduring solution to the ongoing risk posed by loose fill asbestos insulation and the conference commends this approach to other governments.

The impacts of asbestos exposure are devastating. The conference supports the adoption of a National Strategic Plan for Asbestos Management and Awareness in Australia. Asbestos-related diseases are avoidable. Support and care must be provided for people who contract diseases, including adequate and suitable compensation. Maximum effort must be made to prevent ongoing and future exposures in Australia and overseas.