Page 861 - Week 03 - Thursday, 2 April 2020
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(9) Can the Minister provide a copy of correspondence sent to Mr Fluffy owners since November 2019?
Ms Orr: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
(1) As at 27 February 2020 there are 35 properties affected by loose fill asbestos insulation that remain privately owned. Of these, there are:
• 23 who have joined the voluntary buy-back Scheme and have a nominated settlement date up to 30 June 2020;
• 1 recently identified property waiting on valuations to decide whether they will participate in the Buyback Program; and
• 11 who are not currently participating in the Scheme.
(2) The Asbestos Response Taskforce (Taskforce) Personal Support Team and the Executive Group Manager continue to engage with all remaining homeowners, whether currently participating in the Scheme or not. Eligible homeowners not currently participating can reactivate their buyback process, picking up from the point at which they previously exited the Scheme.
The Taskforce continues to provide information to assist homeowners to explore all their options and find solutions to any barriers they may have to managing their affected property through the Scheme or privately. Discussions aim to provide flexibility to support homeowners’ circumstances, including through the recently announced Transition Assistance, but the buyback offer price is not negotiable and is determined by valuation experts.
(3) Participation in the Scheme is voluntary, and participation in the scheme is unrelated to the need for Asbestos Management Plans.
In relation to Asbestos Management Plans (AMP), which are required for affected properties whether the homeowner is participating in the Scheme or not, WorkSafe ACT issued four Improvement Notices in 2019. These Improvement Notices required the homeowner to implement an approved AMP for their homes. Three homeowners complied with the Improvement Notice and the regulatory sanction was removed. One homeowner remains non-compliant with the Improvement Notice and WorkSafe ACT are considering enforcement options in relation to this matter.
(4) Asbestos Management Plans generally cost between $400 - $1000 dependent upon the company engaged to undertake the work, the size and condition of the affected property, the number of samples that need to be taken and tested, and the scope of any works required for compliance.
In circumstances of financial hardship, the Taskforce can facilitate the early release of relocation assistance grant funds equal to the cost of obtaining a compliant AMP.
(5) Eligible homeowners facing financial hardship can apply for early release of their relocation assistance grant by completing the Relocation Assistance Form, available on the Taskforce website, and requesting release of funds for the purposes of obtaining an AMP.
Homeowners are eligible for relocation assistance if they occupied the affected property as at 28 October 2014 (the date the Scheme was announced).
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