Victoria is the only state in Australia to not join this very important National Asbestos Strategic Plan! It is ludicrous to think one state can eradicate all asbestos from Victoria without a joint decision making plan.
http://www.investinaustralia.com/news/64-million-tackle-australia%E2%80%99s-deadly-asbestos-legacy-12c3
The Agency will coordinate across all levels of government and stakeholders in the implementation of the Plan. Seven out of the eight state and territory governments are supporting the development of the Plan.
The Asbestos Safety and Eradication Council, with representatives from states and territories, unions, business and community groups, will assist the Agency in its work.
The Agency also manages the first National Asbestos Exposure Register. The register captures the details of members of the community who think they may have been exposed to asbestos containing materials (ACMs). It is available at www.asbestossafety.gov.au
If residents or businesses wish to report suspected ACMs, please call the national asbestos hotline on 1800 888 468.
Victoria has one of the highest levels of asbestos contamination in the nation. The Latrobe Valley is riddled with asbestos courtesy of decades of pollution by state government entities, and consequently has a horrendous record of asbestos related disease and death. Rarely a week goes by without another Victorian school being closed due to asbestos contamination. The state lags way behind NSW, WA and Qld in funding and support for medical research into asbestos related diseases. Yet the responsible minister's office has the termerity to say they are satisfied with their asbestos management arrangements and can see no benefit in a national strategic plan!
There is no safe asbestos! All asbestos can kill! All states need to be accountable for the deadly asbestos mess we now have in Australia. The only way to move forward is for a united front with all states agreeing to be part of the National Asbestos Strategic Plan! Every day innocent lives are put at risk through asbestos exposure. Heavily subsidised priority assessment, removal and disposal of asbestos can only occur when all states take a stand and move in unity!
Lou Williams – Asbestos Awareness, Information and Support Officer – Bernie Banton Foundation
Louise (Lou) Williams, is a mother, a grandmother, wife, and lives with the ‘asbestos’ cancer mesothelioma. Lou lost her father aged 54, in 1985 to pleural mesothelioma. Since then she has been passionate and dedicated in raising asbestos awareness, advocacy and support both in Australia and globally.
In 2001 she was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma and bravely fought that with extensive surgery and chemotherapy. Unfortunately in 2009 she was then diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, which required major surgery & extensive chemotherapy.
Her battle is never ending, and quite often unforgiving, throughout Lou is a very positive lady, her strengths shine through with her giving of hope, love and support to victims and their carers.
In June 2013 Lou was awarded the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organisation‘s (ADAO), 2014 Alan Reinstein Award. This award recognises Lou’s commitment to education, advocacy and support to countless patients and families around the world.
Lou has served on boards of anti asbestos support organisations since 2003, and is a valued member of the Bernie Banton Foundation team, serving as the Asbestos Awareness, Information and Support Officer.
Disgraceful!! This is not acceptable! http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/victoria-goes-it-alone-on-asbestos-20130706-2pj0f.html
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