Page 3120 - Week 10 - Wednesday, 24 September 2014
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
In regard to performing asbestos assessment work, to become a fully qualified assessor class A, you must have completed either a course in asbestos assessment or conducted asbestos assessment associated with removal. In addition to having completed these courses, you must have a university qualification in either occupational or industrial hygiene, or occupation health and safety, or an environmental or biological science discipline, or a university qualification in another relevant field.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Dr Bourke.
DR BOURKE: Minister, are you aware of how many people have undertaken the course in recent months and how is the government promoting mandatory awareness training before the commencement date of 1 October?
MR GENTLEMAN: I thank Dr Bourke for his supplementary. Mandatory asbestos awareness training has seen incredible numbers being trained since the 25 June announcement by Minister Corbell. Since then over 9,000 people in the ACT have completed the course. The announcement of course received widespread media coverage following the announcement of mandatory asbestos awareness training.
ACT Work Safety Commissioner Mark McCabe has also played a role in explaining the changes, and the onus on employers to ensure their staff have been trained. The CFMEU, MBA and Robson Environmental have also played a critical role in ensuring awareness amongst their members and have been providing training to workers across the city. I have been advised that a number of other registered training organisations have made inquiries, wanting to assist in providing this, some of which are located outside the ACT.
Mr Hanson interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Mr Hanson, that is disorderly. Can you desist, please? Mr Gentleman has the floor.
MR GENTLEMAN: Thank you, Madam Speaker. I will continue. Given this increasing interest, the ACT Work Safety Commissioner and the Construction Industry Training Council have agreed to transfer ownership of the course to the ACT government. Once these arrangements have been finalised, the commissioner will issue instructions on the process for RTOs applying for a licence to provide the course.
The ACT government continues to promote asbestos awareness through a number of channels. These include assisting training organisations to promote their courses, holding an industry breakfast, publishing and disseminating information, and posting and sharing information about the course through WorkSafe ACT.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Ms Porter.
MS PORTER: Minister, what positive outcomes can be seen through the government’s response to the difficult situations that many Canberrans are facing?
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video