The estimated cost for getting rid of asbestos from all Tasmanian state-owned buildings has been revealed in a hearing in Tasmania on the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency Bill. The figure is said to be in the order of $1.5 billion. The removal of asbestos from these buildings is part of the Australian Federal Government’s plan to have all asbestos removed from government and commercial buildings in Australia by 2030.
Roy Ormerod, Workplace Standards general manager, has revealed what these costs are. It will cost Housing Tasmania $400 million to remove asbestos and replace it with a different material from all of their properties. It could cost the Education Department anywhere between $200 million to $1.5 billion to remove asbestos from their 500 buildings, and it will cost the Health Department an estimated $7 million to rid their buildings and hospitals of toxic asbestos.
The removal of asbestos from all public buildings should be a priority of the Tasmanian government. This is because the lack of knowledge among Australians about the dangers associated with asbestos could result in an increase in the number of people who contract asbestos related diseases, such as mesothelioma in Australia. This is especially the case as home renovations are becoming more and more popular.
Simon Cocker the Asbestos-Free Tasmania president spoke out at the hearing saying 30,000 to 40,000 Australians would be diagnosed with asbestos related diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis within the next decade. This is major concern which is pushing for Australia to be asbestos free by 2030, especially because despite there being mesothelioma treatment in Australia, often no cure can be provided.
Specific legislation was implemented in Tasmania in recent years to assist those suffering asbestos conditions pursue an asbestos compensation claim in Tasmania.
