Asbestos removal

If the surveyors identify Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) in any of the 73 Northern Territory National Emergency Response (NTNER) communities which is likely to pose an immediate risk, steps will be taken to make sure the risk is minimised until the ACM can be removed by a licensed removalist.

The 2008 and 2009 Asbestos Surveys identified and recommended the removal of ACM which was in poor or damaged condition and which posed an unacceptable risk if it remained in place. The removal of ACM from the 73 remote Indigenous communities which were surveyed, commenced in September 2009 and was completed in August 2011.

In communities where no ACM has been identified, no further action is required.

In communities where removal work was undertaken, FaHCSIA engaged licensed asbestos removalists. Where required, the ACM which was removed was replaced with other material to ensure future functionality of the building. Specific details about removal works were provided to community members by Government Business Managers (GBMs) as the works were undertaken and completed.

Asbestos removal is a potentially hazardous task that should only be undertaken by a licensed asbestos removalist. While the Australian and Northern Territory Governments supports the employment of local people, asbestos removal work is hazardous and workers have to be specially trained and licensed.