1 December 2004
Campaign Urges Territorians to Think About Asbestos
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Syd Stirling MLA
Minister for Employment, Education and Training
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Territorians are being urged to ‘think asbestos’ before undertaking renovation or demolition work, in a new asbestos awareness campaign launched today by Employment, Education and Training Minister Syd Stirling.
Mr Stirling said the campaign included television, radio and print advertising, a website, fridge magnets, stickers and pamphlets reminding contractors, tradespeople, do-it-yourself renovators, school maintenance officers and school principals to “Stop. Think Asbestos. Seek Advice.” before undertaking any work.
A video, storyboards and booklet are also being prepared specifically for remote communities.
“The Territory Government takes the issue of asbestos very seriously and we need to ensure that people are properly informed about it,” Mr Stirling said.
“This campaign aims to raise awareness in the community that you need to think about asbestos before doing any construction work.
“Asbestos materials that are in good condition and left undisturbed and intact are not dangerous.
“However, if you are renovating, demolishing or even just doing general home maintenance, people need to be aware of the potential health dangers posed by asbestos fibres and dust.
“The campaign material provides advice on how to find out if your home contains asbestos , who to contact for assistance, the do’s and don’ts of working with asbestos-containing material, and how to safely clean up asbestos.
“There is a brochure with advice specifically for school principals about asbestos and how to respond to a suspected asbestos incident at their school.”
Mr Stirling said Better Homes and Gardens celebrity builder Rob Palmer featured in the television and radio ads.
“As a builder, Rob knows better than anyone the dangers of asbestos and jumped at the chance to be the face of the campaign.
“The television and radio ads will begin tonight, with newspaper advertising starting on Saturday. Brochures will be placed in hardware stores throughout the Territory and special kits sent to schools.
“The Media and Marketing Unit of the Department of Employment, Education and Training in collaboration with NT WorkSafe have done an excellent job of producing a high quality campaign in a very short timeframe.”
The NT Government has also established a team to oversee the review and response into the management of asbestos in Government buildings throughout the Territory.
The team will be headed up by the Department of Chief Minister; and will include representatives from the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment; NT WorkSafe; the Territory Construction Association; and the NT Trades and Labor Council.
Government agencies, union representatives, employers, the medical profession, housing associations and Emergency Services are also currently investigating the development of an asbestos register for people who believe they may have been exposed to asbestos.
The Asbestos Information phone number is 1800 019 115.
Schools can ring 8901 4945.
The website address is: www.asbestos.nt.gov.au