Page 2158 - Week 07 - Thursday, 4 June 2015
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(f) Oncology inpatient services remain in Building 3. There are 36 beds in Ward 14B and 8 beds in Ward 11C. Whilst there is no differentiation between acute and sub-acute beds in the oncology setting, the more acute patients are accommodated in Ward 14B where possible.
Housing ACT—asbestos
(Question No 414)
Ms Lawder asked the Minister for Housing, upon notice, on 6 May 2015:
Could the Minister provide the following information
(1) the number of Housing ACT dwellings as at May 2015 containing asbestos, including but not limited to bonded asbestos and asbestos pipe lagging.
(2) whether the Housing ACT dwellings being sold as part of the ACT Government’s asset recycling program contain asbestos, including but not limited to bonded asbestos and asbestos pipe lagging.
(3) whether tenants of Housing ACT dwellings containing asbestos have been notified that they are living in a dwelling containing asbestos.
(4) the health risks to Housing ACT tenants living in dwellings containing asbestos.
(5) the ACT Government’s strategy to deal with the Housing ACT dwellings containing asbestos, including but not limited to bonded asbestos and asbestos pipe lagging.
Ms Berry: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
(1) Housing ACT has approximately 5,300 properties and 200 small to large multi-unit complexes that were built prior to 1989 and therefore may contain asbestos.
(2) Any Housing ACT dwellings built before 1989 that are being sold as part of the ACT Government’s Asset Recycling Initiative may contain asbestos materials.
(3) Since 2005 Housing ACT has provided detailed information in writing to its tenants about asbestos that may be present in their homes.
In addition, all new tenants that sign a tenancy agreement for a property built prior to 1989, are provided with an information package on management of asbestos in their home. In 2005, all Housing ACT tenants were informed in writing of materials in their properties that may potentially contain asbestos. The letters to tenants contained an asbestos advice guide and indicated the year the property was built. The letter also informed tenants about their responsibilities under the law including what to do and who to call if they had any concerns or questions.
(4) If not disturbed, bonded asbestos does not pose a health risk. Any residents who are concerned about their health should get advice from a qualified medical practitioner who can provide an assessment of individual circumstances and exposure risks.
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