National Strategic Plan 2019 - 2023 Launched

Australia’s National strategic plan for asbestos awareness and management 2019-2023 has been officially launched at the Asbestos Safety conference in Perth today.

The plan is available here.

“We are excited to launch our next strategic plan, the aim of which is to prevent exposure to asbestos fibres in order to eliminate asbestos-related disease in Australia,” said Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency CEO Justine Ross.

“4,000 Australians die every year from asbestos-related disease. That’s twice the annual road toll. This plan will guide the work of all Australian governments in making sure that we are working to prevent asbestos exposure.

“Unfortunately, despite being banned in 2003, asbestos exposure is still a risk for Australians.

"Our heavy past use – particularly as part of building materials used in homes and public buildings – means that legacy asbestos is an ongoing public health issue,” said Ms Ross.

The plan has 4 national priorities, coordinated by the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency, working with all states and territories:

1. Improve asbestos awareness to influence behavioural change;
2. Identification and effective legacy management;
3. Safe prioritised removal and effective waste management; and
4. International collaboration and leadership.

The Plan was launched at the Asbestos Safety conference is occurring in the lead up to National Asbestos Awareness Week in late November.

The conference is Australia’s only national conference focusing on asbestos, and will bring together speakers and professionals from across the asbestos management system from around Australia and internationally.

ENDS