After the shock decision handed down by the NSW Land and Environment Court on Thursday which saw Bib Abdallah Hanna avoid a jail sentence after dumping 80 tonnes of asbestos contaminated waste, there have been calls for NSW to strengthen their asbestos laws. NSW Opposition Leader John Robertson is outraged declaring Hanna’s punishment a disgrace and calling on Premier Barry O’Farrell to send a stronger message to those dumping asbestos.
Mr Robertson believes its time for the NSW government to create tougher asbestos laws which ensure that all people dumping asbestos and putting the health of the community at risk are punished. Fines and suspended sentences do not seem to be working as effective deterrents and something needs to be done to get the message across to offenders that asbestos dumping will not be tolerated. Asbestos dumping is a serious crime as exposure to asbestos can put the whole community’s health at risk as it may lead to individuals contracting asbestos related diseases such as asbestosis, asbestos related pleural disease or mesothelioma.
New South Wales Premier Barry O’Farrell has also spoken out about the situation saying he too is stunned that Hanna will not be serving any time in jail for dumping toxic asbestos. He has agreed to consider increasing the punishments for illegal asbestos dumping including prison time. Working to prevent the dumping of asbestos is extremely important to reduce the number of people who could be at risk of contracting asbestos related illnesses as Australia has one of the highest rates of asbestos related diseases in the world. Mesothelioma in Australia is an extremely serious. Unfortunately, mesothelioma in New South Wales has affected many people. The less exposure the better.
