In 2006, detainees of Villawood Detention Centre in NSW were temporarily re-allocated as reports revealed widespread contamination of asbestos in the area. After the clean up, immigration officials claimed that the risk of asbestos had drastically decreased.
However, seven years later, large amounts of asbestos are apparently still present in this New South Wales detention centre. To date, it is Australia’s largest mainland detention facility, currently holding 411 asylum seekers. This means that a dangerously large amount of people are presently being potentially exposed to asbestos fibres.
The expert reports have classified the asbestos as “medium” risk, and recommended that the asbestos be isolated in controlled units until safely removed. This medium risk asbestos has been found in a multitude of heater shafts and cupboards. The non-friable or “low” risk asbestos has been found in the ceiling, pipes and floor tiles in the administration area, detainee dorm rooms and staff kitchen.
The New South Wales Department of Immigration Citizenship (DIAC) spokeswoman Lancia Jordana has submitted the department has worked tirelessly over the past 7 years to minimise the threat of asbestos exposure and ensure the safety of those at Villawood Detention Centre. She has stated that the contaminations are “well below the acceptable levels for asbestos set out under the NSW Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000”. When asked directly about the “medium” risks, Jordana stated that she had not been given access to the expert report and relied on what she was told by the department.
Many detainees are being held at the Villawood Centre for an undefined period of time; others have already been there for months or even years. The longer people are exposed to asbestos, the more risk that have in contracting an asbestos related disease such as mesothelioma or lung cancer.
Mesothelioma in Australia unfortunately occurs all too often, the same can be said for asbestosis in Australia. In New South Wales, there has even been specific legislation introduced to assist those who wish to make a claim for asbestos compensation in New South Wales. This just demonstrates the depth of the problem. Indeed, most states have introduced legislation to assist those making a claim for asbestos compensation in Australia.
