The AMWU will be included in a landmark review into asbestos management in Australia, following a Federal Government announcement last week.

The Asbestos Management Review will make recommendations on the development of a national strategic plan to improve asbestos awareness, management and removal.

AMWU National President, Paul Bastian, is one of eight advisors appointed to the review panel.

“This is a once in a generation opportunity to limit asbestos exposure and work towards the goal of a Safe Asbestos Free Environment in Australia by 2030,” said Mr Bastian.

The Review, to be chaired by former ACTU Assistant Secretary, Geoff Fary, will look at a range of matters related to asbestos awareness and management, including:

•    The enhancement of education and public awareness;
•    The efficacy of asbestos removal, handling, storage and disposal; and
•    The mandatory reporting and disclosure where asbestos is detected.

In June this year, the AMWU, the ACTU, and the Cancer Council of Australia jointly sponsored a national summit on asbestos, which called for government action to improve community awareness of asbestos and to develop guidelines for asbestos removal.

“This review panel comes as a direct result of the AMWU’s campaign on the issue,” said Mr Bastian.

“It is recognition of the support members have given to asbestos victims and their families.”

The review is expected to be handed down by 30 June 2012.

This week the AMWU also called for the Federal Government to ensure the Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund can cover payment to James Hardie victims.

The Government committed to loan the fund money but is yet to finalise the arrangements.