Australia is widely recognised for its international leadership on asbestos management. I was honoured, therefore, to be appointed on 14 December 2016 as Chair of the second Asbestos Safety and Eradication Council by the Minister for Employment, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash.
The Minister appointed six new members and reappointed three existing members. Members of the council are selected in accordance with the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency Act 2013 for their experience and expertise in asbestos safety, public health, corporate governance or community advocacy.
The council met six times during the 2016–17 year and worked through important issues including ongoing development and implementation of the National Strategic Plan. I see a clear commitment and work towards improving asbestos awareness and management from council and thank them for their efforts.
The inaugural council chaired by Geoff Fary provided guidance to the agency in delivering on the goals of the National Strategic Plan thus laying solid foundations for the second council to continue this work. The success of the third International Conference on Asbestos Awareness and Management reflects the standing of the agency and this first council. Internationally renowned experts in public health and asbestos management travelled to Adelaide in November 2016 to share their expertise and advance the agenda of asbestos safety and eradication.
The CEO of the agency and his team can rightly be pleased with this and their other achievements over the 2016–17 year. Council very much appreciates their assistance. Council and management also acknowledge the Australian Government’s ongoing support of them as independent bodies. Continued constructive working relationships with all levels of government and stakeholders are essential in developing a new National Strategic Plan in the years beyond 2018. Council and the agency are committed to fostering these relationships as was highlighted by site visits arranged by the ACT Government before and after the 21 June 2017 council meeting in Canberra.
I look forward to working with the members of the second Asbestos Safety and Eradication Council over the coming years in delivering on the commitment towards a country that is free of asbestos-related diseases.
Diane Smith-Gander
Chair, Asbestos Safety and Eradication Council
