p>The Government has made it clear that there are no short-cuts when it comes to asbestos safety.
Telstra and NBN Co have confirmed to the independent asbestos taskforce that they are working with the unions and Comcare to ensure all Telstra and NBN employees, contractors and subcontractors are trained in safe removal and handling of asbestos from Telstra pits.
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The Government has made it clear that there are no short-cuts when it comes to asbestos safety.
Telstra and NBN Co have confirmed to the independent asbestos taskforce that they are working with the unions and Comcare to ensure all Telstra and NBN employees, contractors and subcontractors are trained in safe removal and handling of asbestos from Telstra pits.
Telstra has instigated a number of improvements, including:
• Measures to strength community engagement in remediation areas;
• The appointment of up to 200 additional inspection and supervisory roles to ensure all asbestos-related remediation activity is supervised by an accredited person;
• Reinforcing high compliance standards with all relevant field employees working with asbestos;
• A temporary stop work on put remediation, which will stay in place for contactors; and
• Working with Comcare and an accredited training partner to review and update the mandatory training program.
The Government welcomes the actions by Telstra to address concerns about the handling of asbestos and does not expect it will have an impact on the NBN rollout schedule.
I held a meeting on asbestos safety in Ballarat on 8 June 2013 with the former Communications Minister Stephen Conroy and officials from Telstra, Comcare, Worksafe, the Environment Protection Authority and unions. Officials briefed us on works across the region and I have asked that my office continue to be updated on progress of the roll-out.
The Government has established the first National Asbestos Exposure Register for anyone who is concerned that they may have been exposed to asbestos. This is to record their details in case they develop asbestos related diseases in the future.
For further details on the National Register please the media release:
http://billshorten.com.au/first-national-asbestos-register-now-open
If you think you may have been exposed to asbestos containing materials please register your details by following this link:
http://deewr.gov.au/national-asbestos-exposure-register
For more information on asbestos please see the asbestos safety fact sheet:
http://foi.deewr.gov.au/system/files/doc/other/fact-sheet-on-asbestos-safety.pdf
If residents or businesses wish to report suspected asbestos containing material please call the national occupational health and safety regulator, Comcare, on 1800 888 468.
If any resident is concerned about specific work being conducted in their area they should get in contact with Telstra on 1800 067 225.
Both myself and my staff will continue to talk with local residents to ensure your concerns are addressed as a matter of priority. Please contact my office on (03) 5338 8123 or email me direct at catherine.king.mp@aph.gov.au.
Catherine King