2014 Asbestos Awareness and Management conference

The Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency has released a highlights video of the first International Conference on Asbestos Awareness and Management held on 16-18 November 2014 in Melbourne.

Our members and supporters were represented by Nick Bos (AMAA Secretary), Jenny Bos (founding member) and Tilly Ryan (AMAA Board Member) who promoted the positive work being undertaken by AMAA in our region.  The conference highlighted the dangers of asbestos in Australia and what is being done by all stakeholders (government, local councils, community advocates, unions) to protect the community from further asbestos exposure and raise greater awareness of the health risks associated with asbestos exposure.  The continued use of asbestos in overseas regions was also a topic of great concern amongst attendees, particularly as alarmingly in most regions using asbestos products there are no measures in place to protect the community from asbestos exposure or hold corporations dealing in asbestos to account.

The range of organisations represented at the conference was impressive and reflective of the broad impact of asbestos in the community. There were experts from Australian and international bodies including patient advocacy groups, health professionals and medical experts, researchers, asbestos industry groups, government agencies and unions.  It was clear that there was overarching agreement amongst all delegates of the importance of working together to minimise the impact of asbestos on current and future generations both here in Australia and overseas.  This culminated in the conference delegates uniting to issue a Communique on the path towards an asbestos free future in Australia.  A full copy of the Communique can be accessed via the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency website – www.asbestossafety.gov.au.