Australian trade unions are calling on the government to make the country completely asbestos-free by 2030.

According to the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), Australia had the highest per capita use of asbestos globally between the 1950’s and 1980’s. After this time, over 9,000 cases of mesothelioma have sprung up in Australia, with the Australian government only banning asbestos use in the workplace eight years ago.

However the Australian government is concerned with the potential costs associated with ridding Australia completely of asbestos, since asbestos can only be removed by licensed abatement professionals, whose time and equipment can be costly. Such costs are necessary to minimize the risk of workers and the public developing mesothelioma, asbestosis or other asbestos-related diseases as a result of the removal work.

The Australian government’s asbestos management review is currently working on a national plan for asbestos removal, with the final report due later this month.

Unfortunately, cases of mesothelioma have occurred in Australia following home handymen undertaking their own work with asbestos products, later developing the asbestos related cancer. Mesothelioma compensation claims have been made in some of such circumstances.

The National Asbestos Helpline has officially called for a global ban on the use of asbestos, a material linked to the development of mesothelioma.

The UK-based organisation, which acts on behalf of victims of asbestos-related diseases, pledged their support in the lead-up to Action Mesothelioma Day, which will occur internationally on Friday 6th July.

The NAH joins the British Lung Foundation, the America-based Asbestos Disease Awareness Organisation (ADAO) and numerous others in their campaign for a total ban on the dangerous substance.

An international online petition is due to be launched during the campaign, with the NAH hoping to obtain over 1000 signatures worldwide, including Australia.

Action Mesothelioma Day will aim to increase global awareness of the dangers of asbestos and the detrimental impact the substance can have on people’s lives.

Mesothelioma has affected many Australians from all states including South Australia and Victoria.

The ACT Government is contemplating suing the Federal Government over the high costs of cleaning up asbestos in Canberra.

Australian Capital Territory Chief Minister Katy Gallagher has been unsuccessful in trying to get the Commonwealth to contribute to the clean-up costs from when they dumped huge amounts of asbestos contaminated soil in Canberra before ACT self-government.

North Weston Ponds site has been the major problem area, which has seen the ACT spend about $30 million in cleaning up and redesigning.

There are other asbestos contaminated areas within Canberra, including Eastlake where huge amounts of contaminated waste has been found which is likely to cost up to $100 million to clean up.

The problem is that the Federal Government is not taking responsibility and the ACT government has a strong belief that Canberra’s taxpayers should not foot the bill for these clean up costs. In order to solve this problem ACT is willing to take legal action.

Some Canberra residents in the past have been diagnosed with asbestos conditions such as mesothelioma caused by relatively low levels of asbestos exposure. Asbestos compensation claims have been made by some of those living in the ACT suffering asbestos conditions.

Authorities have been alerted after an illegal dumping of asbestos was discovered in the Adelaide suburb of Gillman last week.

The deposit, which included at least three bags of asbestos and 100 asbestos pipes, was found at the South Australian Dean Rifle Range, close to where families and dirt bike riders regularly visit.

The uncovered asbestos was discovered during an inspection of dilapidated buildings, and covered ground on both the privately owned property and also property next door belonging to the South Australian government.

Locals have been warned not to approach the site, as even small amounts of asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma, a rare but deadly form of cancer.

South Australia mesothelioma compensation claims have resulted from persons being exposed to asbestos.

The asbestos is scheduled to be removed sometime this week by the Environment Protection Authority.