The NSW Government has released a plan to reduce the number of people in New South Wales being dangerously exposed to asbestos in an effort to lower the number of people tragically dying and suffering from asbestos related diseases. Asbestos related illnesses in New South Wales were responsible for claiming 201 lives in 2011 and this number is expected to grow each year.
Australia is greatly struggling with the dangerous consequences of asbestos exposure as this toxic material was used heavily throughout Australia for decades. When asbestos is disturbed it releases contaminated fibres and if these are inhaled it can lead to people contracting asbestos related illnesses such as asbestosis, asbestos related pleural disease or mesothelioma.
The number of people suffering from asbestos related diseases in NSW is unacceptably high so this plan is calling for the responsible management of asbestos by government, industry and the whole community. The aim of this plan is to reduce the number of people contracting asbestos related illnesses by ensuring its safe management and communicating the risks associated with asbestos.
This plan was formulated by the Heads of Asbestos Coordination Authorities (HACA) in discussion with government agencies, local government, research groups, industry and unions. While reducing asbestos disease rates is a major challenge, this plan will help achieve this task and also shows the continued commitment of the NSW government in reducing asbestos related diseases in New South Wales. This task is made even more important because while there is mesothelioma treatment available in Australia, mesothelioma often remains incurable.
New South Wales has always been a progressive state when it comes to asbestos related disease in Australia. For example, in 1989, the New South Wales Dust Diseases Tribunal was set up with a view to allowing residents in New South Wales pursue asbestos claims quickly and easily. Since this time, mesothelioma claims in New South Wales and asbestosis claims in New South Wales have been made most quickly. It is a testament to New South Wales that such legislation remains today.
