Talks between Canberra and the Commonwealth to try and resolve Canberra’s buried asbestos have failed. With neither accepting responsibility nor the clean up bill for asbestos that has been buried for decades across more then 100 sites in Canberra.

Chief Minister Katy Gallagher is placing pressure on Julia Gillard to get involved; believing that the Commonwealth of Australia has a moral and financial responsibility to the people of Canberra to clean up sites that were contaminated with asbestos prior to Canberra becoming its own government.

One site that is of major concern for Canberra is the East Lake development at Kingston, it has been reported that there is over 600,000 cubic metres of asbestos polluted soil here mostly as a result of the construction of Parliament House. The Commonwealth has refused to assist in the clean up, which is estimated to cost $90 million dollars; they believe because the ownership of the land was transferred to Canberra upon self-government and it is their responsibility.

The removal of asbestos in all Australian states is vital in the battle against asbestos-related diseases as even minimal exposure to asbestos can lead to an individual contracting mesothelioma. Legislation is in place to assist people with Australian asbestos compensation claims, including mesothelioma compensation claims, however if effective asbestos removal was undertaken these people may not need such help.

During the upgrade of Glen Waverly railway line in Melbourne, asbestos fears have arisen as Metro Trains and the Firewood Association of Australia have confirmed that old wooden sleepers contaminated with asbestos are being stolen and used as firewood. The Firewood Association has already banned their members from selling sleepers because some apparently pose health risks when burned. Despite this, and security at the railway line, these sleepers are being stolen.

These asbestos fears were confirmed when the association began to receive calls from people burning these sleepers saying they are suffering from bronchitis and asthma related symptoms. The asbestos used in train brakes and brake locks are now trapped on the exterior of these sleepers and when burned the asbestos combines with the ash and creates a very easy way for asbestos fibres to become airborne and inhaled.

This is seriously dangerous as even inhaling a small amount of asbestos can lead to a person contracting asbestos related diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. The number of people diagnosed with mesothelioma is expected to rise in Australia over the next decade which is worrying as 660 cases of mesothelioma were recorded in 2007. Australian states including NSW, Victoria and South Australia have introduced legislation to assist those suffering asbestos conditions pursue an asbestos compensation claims in Australia, including a specific legislation for Victorian asbestos compensation claims.

Asbestos has long moved on from only claiming the lives of miners and tradesmen, the toxic substance now affects people in their own homes. Due to heavy use of asbestos in Australia in the 1970s and 1980s, many workers were working with asbestos every day and this would follow them home to their families.

The latest potential victims of mesothelioma are young couples who are undertaking home renovations on homes built before 1988 and are unaware that they may be disturbing deadly asbestos which could have fatal effects to their health. It is thought that one in three homes in Australian contain asbestos thus it is not surprising that 35.7% of female mesothelioma cases were caused by exposure to asbestos during home renovations.

There have been 4,700 deaths from mesothelioma in Australia since recording began in the 80s and despite asbestos being banned in 2003, it is estimated that this number is expected to rise. Australia has a National Asbestos Register where people may record their exposure to asbestos; this can assist people if they need to make an asbestos compensation claim in Australia, such as a mesothelioma compensation claim through Australian Courts.