Page 303 - Week 02 - Tuesday, 20 February 1990
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It is our judgment that achieving total and effective removal within four years means that the removal strategy needs the substantial involvement of a major contractor rather than a plethora of smaller firms. However, I am pleased to say that there will continue to be opportunities for the smaller firms to participate in the program. With a total of 850 houses under government contract and approximately 30 either done or under private contract on an individual basis now, around 180 houses remain either for the small firms or for another major contractor.
For instance, the Government could consider extending the current contract with BRS Asbestos Removal Pty Limited subject to satisfactory performance and price negotiations.
The Government has decided to continue the reimbursement scheme for people who choose to contract directly with removal firms. The maximum reimbursement limit for private removals is to be increased from $35,000 to $40,000 effective from today. This increase recognises that although private removalists must meet the same cleanliness standards as the government contractors they do not face the same large-scale project risk factors or the equipment and project management overheads. There has been some criticism about perceived double standards between private and government removals and I would like now to remove any doubts in this regard. Inspections of all asbestos removal contracts will be carried out by asbestos branch inspectors.
With this strategy the Government has effectively removed the log jam holding up further progress. This was our top priority with the asbestos removal program and we have achieved it. Importantly, the involvement of such a major company in the field of hazardous materials handling as Gardner Perrott provides an assurance about quality and reliability. Householders will continue to be kept informed through regular asbestos branch newsletters and through consultation and liaison with their asbestos support group.
It is the Alliance Government's objective to do this job as quickly and as effectively as possible. We think the strategy I have outlined today will achieve this objective. Once the affected houses have been cleaned and any residual fibres physically bonded into place with sealants, they will pose no health hazard.
Those people who have been affected by this sad episode - which was not of their making, but, in my view, due to the incompetence of the Commonwealth Government - can then put it behind them and get on with their lives. Mr Speaker, I move:
That the Assembly takes note of the paper.
Debate (on motion by Mrs Grassby) adjourned.
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