National Asbestos Management Review established

The Minister for Workplace Relations, Senator Chris Evans, recently announced the establishment of a national review into the management of asbestos and the government’s intention to ratify several International Labour Organisation treaties.

The Asbestos Management Review will assess current activities in the area of asbestos management and research, and make recommendations for the development of a national strategic plan to improve asbestos awareness, management and removal.

“Australia has one of the highest rates of asbestos-related disease in the world,” Senator Evans said. “Due to the long period between exposure to asbestos and the onset of disease, asbestos-related diseases are projected to increase.

“It is critical that we develop a comprehensive understanding of the scope of the problem and set clear targets as to how we address issues relating to awareness, management and removal of asbestos.”

Geoff Fary, currently the ACTU’s representative on Safe Work Australia, has been appointed as the Chair of the Asbestos Management Review. He will be assisted by an expert advisory group, including researchers, employer and employee representatives and members of the legal fraternity who have substantial experience in dealing with asbestos disease and mesothelioma claims.

The review will build on work already being undertaken and will report by 30 June 2012. It will complement the development of harmonised workplace health and safety laws which include regulations and codes of practice relating to asbestos management and removal in the workplace, as well as the Tasmanian Government’s response to the 2010 report ‘Improving Asbestos Management in Tasmania’.

The Minister also announced the Australian Government’s intention to pursue ratification of three International Labour Organisation (ILO) treaties: the Asbestos Convention, 1986 (Convention 162); the optional Protocol to the Occupational Health and Safety Convention, 1981 (Protocol 155); and the Part-Time Work Convention, 1994 (Convention 175).

The Part-Time Work Convention commits Australia to protecting the rights of part-time employees in a way which is consistent with internationally recognised standards.

“Ratification of the Asbestos Convention and the Protocol to the 2002 Occupational Safety and Health Convention guarantee that Australian workers will continue to enjoy the protection of a world-class OHS regime, reflecting best practice when it comes to protecting our community from the harmful effects of contact with asbestos,” Senator Evans added.